Content Setup

Use local capture on iPad for high-quality audio and video

Podcasters who record remotely often face a familiar challenge. Conversations happen over calls, but the best audio and video comes from recording locally. iPad gives podcasters a simple and powerful way to record high-quality episodes, even during a live call. With local capture built into Control Center, creators can rely on their iPad to deliver clean, professional audio and video from anywhere.

With iPadOS 26, you can capture high-resolution video and lossless audio directly from your iPad while participating in a live call. This built-in feature allows you to look and sound your best, no matter where you record.

Designed for creators who record remotely

Many podcast conversations happen across cities, states, or countries. While tools like FaceTime help keep those conversations going, real-time calls often reduce sound quality.

To solve this, podcasters use a technique called a double-ender. Each person records their own audio locally, then sends the file to be synced and edited later. The final result sounds like everyone was in the same room.

iPad supports this workflow with a simple system-level recording tool. You can join a live call and record your own microphone and camera at full quality, all from the same device.

What you need to record audio and video locally

  • An iPad running iPadOS
  • FaceTime or another supported call app
  • Optional: an external USB microphone

How to record your audio and video locally

  1. Join your call using FaceTime.
  2. Open Control Center and tap the Record button.
  3. Speak as you normally would.
  4. When finished, tap the recording indicator to stop.
  5. Your file will be saved in the Files app.

The recording is saved as an MP4 file that includes two tracks: high-efficiency video and lossless FLAC audio. These formats are compatible with Apple’s professional editing tools.

You can also connect an external USB microphone. iPad will automatically detect and use the connected input, giving you greater flexibility and improved sound quality.

Edit audio and video files with Apple tools

After your recording is complete, you can open it in Logic Pro, GarageBand, or Final Cut Pro if your podcast includes video. The file is ready to use with no conversion required.

This flexibility allows you to manage your full production workflow using Apple devices and software, whether you’re editing on the go or at your desktop.