Apple has quietly used artificial intelligence and speech synthesis technology to develop AI robots that read aloud some of its books. In Apple’s Books, a search for the keyword “AI narration” reveals a number of audiobooks that are described as “digital voice readings that mimic the human voice.
Apple’s use of AI to read books could represent a major shift in how major tech companies see the future of audiobooks. Publishers, writers and literary agents who spoke to the Guardian said the strategy, if successful, could have a major impact on the market.
In recent years, the audiobook market has been booming, and technology companies are scrambling to gain a foothold. Sales soared 25% last year to more than $1.5 billion in revenue. Industry insiders believe the global market could be worth more than $35 billion by 2030.
