How Voice Dictation Works in Safari on visionOS

This article explains how to use voice dictation to enter URLs and search queries into the Safari web browser on visionOS. By utilizing advanced eye-tracking technology and built-in microphones, users can navigate the web almost entirely hands-free by looking at the address bar and speaking their desired web destination or search terms.

Activating Voice Dictation

There are two ways to start voice dictation in the Safari address bar on visionOS:

  • Look to Dictate: The fastest method requires no hand gestures. Simply look directly at the microphone icon located on the right side of the Safari address bar. Hold your gaze on the icon for a brief moment. The icon will pulse, indicating that the microphone is active and listening.
  • Virtual Keyboard: Look at the middle of the Safari address bar and pinch your thumb and index finger together to summon the virtual keyboard. Look at the microphone icon on the keyboard and pinch again to begin dictating.

Entering Search Queries

To perform a web search, begin speaking naturally as soon as the microphone is active. As you talk, visionOS transcribes your voice into text in real-time inside the address bar. You do not need to speak slowly; the system processes natural cadence to understand context and correct homophones automatically. As the text populates, Safari will simultaneously display a drop-down menu of relevant search suggestions and websites.

Entering Specific URLs

If you want to navigate to a specific website rather than a search engine result, you must dictate the exact web address, including the punctuation.

  • Speak the URL continuously without long pauses. For example, say "wikipedia dot org" or "espn dot com slash nfl".
  • Safari on visionOS recognizes URL patterns and will automatically remove the spaces between your words and convert spoken words like "dot" and "slash" into the appropriate "." and "/" characters.

Submitting the Entry

Voice dictation in Safari does not automatically load the page when you stop speaking, allowing you time to verify that the transcription is correct. To go to your destination after speaking:

  1. For a URL or exact search: Look at the "Go" button on the virtual keyboard and pinch your fingers together.
  2. For a suggested result: Look at the desired link or search query in the drop-down menu below the address bar and pinch your fingers to open it directly.

Stopping or Correcting Dictation

Once you stop speaking for a few seconds, the microphone will automatically turn off. You can also stop it manually by looking away from the address bar or pinching the microphone icon again. If the dictation makes an error, you can use the virtual keyboard to type corrections or pinch the "Clear" (X) button in the address bar to start over.