Please Restore One-Tap Read Aloud on iOS

ChatGPT
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I’m posting this in the ChatGPT Feature Requests category because the current OpenAI Community Guidelines and ChatGPT category description explicitly say that ChatGPT feedback and feature requests are welcome here. I did encounter a contradictory composer warning saying ChatGPT app/UI discussions are not allowed, so I’m noting that inconsistency here as well.

I saw the recent discussion requesting the return of one-tap Read Aloud access on iOS, but the topic was closed while I was writing my reply. I wanted to add my experience because this change has significantly affected how I use ChatGPT.

I used the one-tap Read Aloud button constantly. I often dictate a question, receive a written response, and then listen to that response through Bluetooth while driving, exercising, getting ready, or doing other things where I need my eyes and hands elsewhere.

I also use ChatGPT for longer conversations where I am thinking something through, learning about a subject, researching something important to me, or preparing for something such as an interview. Being able to listen to the full written response was a major part of that workflow.

Moving Read Aloud into the three-dot menu may sound like only a couple of extra taps, but those extra steps matter when the entire reason I am using audio is that I do not want to be navigating and looking at my phone. The old speaker button made the transition from asking a question to listening to the answer immediate.

This is particularly important while driving. A visible one-tap audio control minimizes the interaction required to begin listening. Requiring someone to open a menu and locate Read Aloud requires additional visual interaction precisely when the goal is to listen rather than look at the screen.

Voice Mode is not a substitute for this workflow for me. I specifically want the full written ChatGPT response and then the ability to have that response read aloud. Having the written response also means I can return to it later.

This seemingly small interface change has substantially reduced how much I can use ChatGPT during parts of my day when listening was previously easy and useful.

Please restore the visible, one-tap Read Aloud speaker button beneath assistant responses on iOS.

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Welcome to the community, @nina514. Thanks for laying this out so clearly. The distinction between Voice Mode and having the full written response read aloud is especially helpful context.

I’m sending this to the team for logging as a feature request: restoring the visible, one-tap Read Aloud button beneath assistant responses on iOS, so users can start listening without opening the three-dot menu. Your accessibility point and the need to reduce extra screen interaction are noted as well.

We appreciate and value your feedback. While we can’t promise implementation or provide a timeline, we’re grateful you shared it with us. We’re closing this topic while keeping it visible for reference.

-Mark G.