{"id":66176,"date":"2026-04-02T15:19:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:19:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=66176"},"modified":"2026-04-08T19:40:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T17:40:47","slug":"recording-an-iphone-call-what-works-and-what-doesnt-in-germany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/tipps-tricks\/iphone-anruf-aufnehmen-was-in-deutschland-geht-und-was-nicht","title":{"rendered":"Recording an iPhone call: What works in Germany \u2013 and what doesn't"},"content":{"rendered":"

With iOS 18, Apple introduced a native call recording function. The problem: This feature is not available throughout the European Union. Anyone using an iPhone in Germany who wants to record calls needs alternatives. This article explains the background, outlines the legal situation, and presents the best ways to record calls anyway.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Native call recording on the iPhone has been one of the most requested features for years. Apple finally delivered it with iOS 18 \u2013 but not for everyone. In Germany, Austria, and the rest of the EU, the function is completely absent. No button, no setting, no way to activate it. The reason is a combination of EU regulations and German criminal law. Nevertheless, there are legal ways to record phone calls on the iPhone. However, they require a bit more effort than simply tapping a button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The native recording function: How it works \u2013 outside the EU<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In countries where the feature is available (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan), call recording works directly in the phone app:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Tap the record icon<\/strong> during a phone call<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. An automated message<\/strong> informs both callers that the call is being recorded<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The recording will be saved in the Notes app<\/strong> in the \"Call Recordings\" folder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. In supported languages, Apple Intelligence automatically creates a transcript<\/strong> of the conversation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    This feature requires an iPhone 16 or later (or iPhone 15 Pro\/Pro Max) with Apple Intelligence. Transcription only works in selected languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why is this function missing in the EU?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Apple lists<\/a> call recording as unavailable throughout the European Union on its availability page. This also applies to numerous other regions, including Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Apple hasn't officially stated the exact reasons, but there are two key factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German criminal law (\u00a7 201 StGB):<\/strong> In Germany, recording a conversation without the consent of all parties involved is a criminal offense. The "violation of the confidentiality of spoken words" can be punished with a fine or imprisonment of up to three years. Apple's native feature circumvents this problem with an automatic announcement that informs both parties about the recording. Nevertheless, Apple has not enabled this feature in the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    EU regulation:<\/strong> The Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the EU AI Act may also play a role. Apple's call recording uses Apple Intelligence for transcription, which could be classified as AI-powered processing of personal data under EU regulation. Apple has already delayed or withheld several Apple Intelligence features in the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Legal situation in Germany: What is allowed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Recording a telephone call is not generally prohibited in Germany \u2013 it is subject to conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recording is permitted if:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n