Photo: 123RF
A new accessibility tool set to roll out across Apple devices can replicate a user's voice with enough accuracy to bypass banking recognition systems.
From mid-September, iPhones will be able to parrot back anything you type in, after following just 15 minutes of randomised voice prompts.
It is part of the iOS 17 upgrade, and it's just one of a range of new functions to assist people with disabilities.
Apple is taking precautions to ensure the voice data cannot be hacked - the information is stored on the device itself, rather than being uploaded to a cloud.
An early version tested by a staff member at RNZ managed to trick a phone banking voice authentication system.
Kathryn Ryan speaks with Aucklander Pratik Navani - he signed up to the Apple iOS beta release and has early access to the feature.
She also speaks with Dr Dennis Desmond, a former US counterintelligence officer who lectures in cyber-crime and security at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and also disability advocate and Workbridge CEO Jonathan Mosen.
Story clarification: To use a Personal Voice, the user must unlock their Apple device with Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode. Apple devices without passcodes cannot create a Personal Voice.
