Complete Cleft History: This page contains ALL notable changes to Cleft - product releases, policy updates, press coverage, podcast appearances, and our entire journey since 2023. Use the filters above to find exactly what you’re looking for. Best viewed on desktop to see all filtering options, but fully mobile-friendly too.
Coming Soon
coming-soon
Cleft 2.0
Something big is coming. Cleft 2.0 will be our biggest update yet, arriving November 2025. This release will also pave the way for Android and web versions!
September 10, 2025
release
iOS Spotlight Search & Apple Watch
Version 1.10.0 · iOS Build 39iOS users, v1.10 is NOW LIVE on the App Store! 🚀 Apple approved it ahead of schedule. This release brings all the powerful features from the macOS release to your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

What’s New

September 10, 2025
docs
Documentation Refresh
Docs are now easier to navigate!We reorganized learn.cleftnotes.com based on your feedback:All ready for iOS v1.10! 🚀
September 10, 2025
policy
Enhanced Privacy Protections & Transparency
Stronger data protections and clearer privacy commitments
  • Expanded vendor transparency - Complete list now includes 37 vendors (up from 32) with enhanced EU data residency including 1Password, Revolut Business, Cloudflare, Namecheap, and Rebrandly → View All Vendors
  • Lowered age requirement - Now welcoming users 13+ with parental or bill payer’s permission (down from 16+) → Terms of Service
  • Enhanced accessibility roadmap - Clear timeline for screen reader support, VoiceOver improvements, and Cleft 2.0 accessibility features → Accessibility Statement
  • Updated data processing agreement - Enhanced with missing vendor details and improved transparency → Data Processing Agreement
  • Refreshed privacy policies - All trust center documents aligned with current protections → Trust Center Overview
Your privacy and accessibility matter to us. These updates ensure complete visibility into how we protect your thoughts. 🔒
August 24, 2025
release
macOS Spotlight Search
Version 1.10.0 · macOS Build 26 · iOS available by September 12th

Added

  • Spotlight Search - Find any note instantly from anywhere on your Mac. Just use Command+Space and search - your notes are now part of macOS Spotlight! Watch demo →
  • Live Transcription - Watch your words appear in real-time as you speak. See exactly what’s being captured with our new progress indicator.
  • Better Offline Sync - Captured a thought without internet? No problem. Your notes sync perfectly when you’re back online.

Changed

  • 2x Faster Performance - Everything’s snappier! Made significant improvements to the Whisper model utilizing CoreML for even better and faster processing on device. Note: The app size is slightly larger due to the improved model. The first transcription will be a little slower as it loads the model into memory.
  • Full macOS Parity - Mac users get all the same great features including Spotlight Search with Command+Space.
  • Documentation Overhaul - learn.cleftnotes.com got a major facelift! Check out the refreshed Getting Started guide, new platform-specific sections for iOS and macOS, plus tons of new content throughout.

Important Notes

  • macOS Release: Available now on Mac App Store
  • iOS Coming Soon: iOS version with Spotlight Search coming soon - stay tuned!
  • You may need to re-authenticate after updating to this version.
February 11, 2025
release
Enhanced Audio & Push Notifications
Version 1.9.0 · iOS Build 25 · macOS pending

Added

  • Enhanced Audio Device Handling - Seamlessly switch between AirPods, headsets and internal microphone during recording
  • Microphone Indicator - New indicator showing current audio input device while recording
  • Push Notifications - Get notified for recording interruptions (calls, alarms)

Changed

  • Optimized Whisper Model - Now loads after recording starts to improve performance on older devices
  • Editor Improvements - Increased line height in the editor for easier note editing
  • Delete UX - Removes the current note from view if you delete it (Thanks Vince!)
January 16, 2025
release
Notion Integration & Offline States
Version 1.8.0 · iOS Build 24

Added

  • Notion Integration - Send your Cleft notes to Notion with our latest integration
  • Auto-send to Notion - Auto send the note to Notion if you only have 1 Notion database selected. Instant send, less clicks.
  • Offline States - Added a nice new empty state and offline state for when you’re recording offline!
  • Silence Detection - Improved silence detection for long recordings
  • Send Icon - New Send icon (paper plane) with integrated sharing options

Changed

  • Editor Readability - Enhanced editor readability with increased line height
  • Sync Context Menu - Added Sync Online to context menu for offline notes
  • Dark Mode - Improved dark mode in integrations view
  • iOS Share Menu - Changed the iOS share menu to use dropdowns like the macOS and iPad apps

Fixed

  • Image upload reliability issues
  • Recording resume after app switch
  • Offline transcript saving
  • Icon size consistency
  • Text truncation issue in view tab
  • Dynamic font sizes on pop over menus
  • Shareable link auto-copy to clipboard
December 26, 2024
podcastpress
Speak Easy Podcast with Jonny Cosgrove
Jonny Cosgrove introduces Amber on Speak Easy Podcast - Cleft’s founder discusses company progress and announces Amber, a new product complementing Cleft’s voice-first approach (27:40)Listen to all episodes featuring top leaders and innovators sharing their systems for success.
December 24, 2024
press
Fast Company Best Apps
The 25 Best New Apps of 2024 on Fast Company - Featured in annual best apps roundup
December 19, 2024
podcastpress
Ang Jandak on Innovation & Transformation
Ang Jandak on Innovation & Transformation on Speak Easy Podcast - How business functions interconnect and the importance of “radical understanding” (31:48)
December 13, 2024
press
The Generalist Gift Guide
The Generalist Gift Guide on The Generalist - Featured as top productivity tool recommendation
December 12, 2024
podcastpress
John Lee on Working From Anywhere
John Lee on Working From Anywhere on Speak Easy Podcast - CEO of Work From Anywhere discusses cultural awareness and communication in a global world (25:08)
December 5, 2024
podcastpress
Grace Gavin on Open Communication
Grace Gavin on Open Communication on Speak Easy Podcast - Chief of Staff at Know Honesty reveals how “open and honest” transforms workplace relationships (27:49)
December 4, 2024
release
Family Sharing & Custom Instructions
Version 1.7.0 · iOS Build 23

Added

Changed

  • New Pricing - Annual plan 39/year(was39/year (was 89/year), Monthly plan 7/month(was7/month (was 9/month)
  • Family Sharing - Family sharing capabilities under one subscription

Fixed

  • Tag saving issue when tapping return on keyboard
  • Lock screen widget issue on iOS18
November 28, 2024
podcastpress
Nadia Harris on Remote Work
Nadia Harris on Remote Work on Speak Easy Podcast - Remote work lawyer discusses the evolving world of work (25:04)
November 21, 2024
podcastpress
Sara Lobkovich on Well-being OKRs
Sara Lobkovich on Well-being OKRs on Speak Easy Podcast - Coaching on goal setting focused on well-being and intrinsic motivation (26:05)
November 14, 2024
podcastpress
Anna Burgess Yang on Productivity
Anna Burgess Yang on Productivity on Speak Easy Podcast - Former corporate executive discusses productivity and work-life integration (23:31)
November 7, 2024
podcastpress
Susan Boles on Calmer Business
Susan Boles on Calmer Business on Speak Easy Podcast - CFO at Beyond Margins discusses building businesses focused on comfortable margins (24:30)
October 31, 2024
press
Voice Apps Guide
How to Use Voice Apps to Capture Ideas by Anna Burgess Yang - Comprehensive guide featuring Cleft’s approach to voice capture
October 31, 2024
podcastpress
Katherine Sanders on ADHD
Katherine Sanders on ADHD on Speak Easy Podcast - Neurodivergent ADHD coach discusses how divergent thinkers approach productivity (22:00)
October 24, 2024
podcastpress
Meighan O'Toole on Knowledge Management
Meighan O’Toole on Knowledge Management on Speak Easy Podcast - Journey from physical notebooks to digital tools (25:56)
October 23, 2024
release
Zapier Integration & Smart Audio
Version 1.6.0 · iOS Build 22

Added

Changed

Fixed

  • Page navigation issues in iOS 18
  • Streamlined interface improvements
October 17, 2024
podcastpress
Ali Greene on Remote Documentation
Ali Greene on Remote Documentation on Speak Easy Podcast - Author of Remote Works discusses how documentation enables workplace flexibility (26:24)
October 10, 2024
podcastpress
Claire Podulka on Communication
Claire Podulka on Communication on Speak Easy Podcast - Chief of Staff at TXI discusses effective communication as a skill (21:39)
October 3, 2024
podcastpress
Dr. Cindy Young on Knowledge Sharing
Dr. Cindy Young on Knowledge Sharing on Speak Easy Podcast - Human-centered knowledge management and the importance of sharing (21:45)
October 1, 2024
policy
Terms of Service Update
Terms Update - Updated terms of service with expanded user protectionsKey updates include 16+ age requirement, clear 14-day no-questions-asked refund policy, simplified account responsibilities, and enhanced user rights protections under Irish law.
September 30, 2024
press
New Solo Podcast
Legal Tech Secrets: Voice Notes for Lawyers on New Solo - How voice notes are transforming legal documentation (32:15)
September 26, 2024
podcastpress
Katie Scheuer on Effective Meetings
Katie Scheuer on Effective Meetings on Speak Easy Podcast - Learning designer at Mural discusses collaborative work practices (24:03)
September 24, 2024
release
macOS App Launch
Version 1.5.0 · iOS Build 21 · macOS Build 21

Added

Changed

Known Issues

  • Gaps in silence with Whisper model
September 19, 2024
podcastpress
Angela Bierman on Corporate Brain
Angela Bierman on Corporate Brain on Speak Easy Podcast - Building a “corporate brain” to preserve institutional knowledge (26:46)
September 18, 2024
policy
Privacy Policy & Terms of Service Update
Privacy & Terms Enhancement - Major policy updates reinforcing our data protection commitmentEnhanced GDPR and CCPA compliance, explicit commitment to never train AI models on user data, EU AI Act compliance, and strengthened user privacy rights. Updated terms of service (v1.3) to align with privacy enhancements. Our privacy promise: we guard your notes and respect your privacy.
September 12, 2024
podcastpress
Jonny Cosgrove on Thought Management
Jonny Cosgrove on Thought Management on Speak Easy Podcast - Neurodivergent entrepreneur discusses managing thoughts and tasks (25:27)
September 10, 2024
podcastpress
Speak Easy Podcast Trailer
Trailer on Speak Easy Podcast - Welcome to Speak Easy with Tyler Sellhorn (01:12)
September 6, 2024
press
The 80/20 Lawyer
If You Have an iPhone, Check This on The 80/20 Lawyer - How lawyers are using Cleft for legal documentation
September 4, 2024
release
Password Protected Links
Version 1.4.0 · iOS Build 20

Added

Fixed

September 1, 2024
press
Designer Daily Report
Featured in Designer Daily Report - Voice-first design patterns for productivity apps
August 28, 2024
release
App Store Launch
Version 1.3.0 · iOS Build 19

Added

  • Initial Release - First App Store release for iOS and iPadOS
  • Refined UI - Refined user interface
  • Beta Migration - Smooth migration for beta testers

Known Issues

August 24, 2024
beta
Rolling Notes & User Profiles
Version 0.18.0

Added

Fixed

August 14, 2024
press
AI Tools for Solopreneurs
AI Tools for Solopreneurs (That Are Actually Useful) by Anna Burgess Yang - Featured in productivity tools roundup
August 14, 2024
beta
Obsidian Integration
Version 0.17.0

Added

Fixed

  • Search keyboard jumping issue
August 13, 2024
press
DailyTekk Review
The BEST NEW APPS for iPad, Mac, iPhone on DailyTekk - Featured review of Cleft’s voice-first approach
August 10, 2024
press
8-bit Growth
Milking your content on 8-bit Growth - How Cleft transforms voice into structured content
August 10, 2024
beta
Action Extension & Shareable Links
Version 0.16.0

Added

Fixed

  • Delete button accidentally deleting notes
July 31, 2024
beta
Offline Mode & Conversation Capture
Version 0.15.0

Added

Fixed

  • macOS transcription and custom command issues
July 30, 2024
press
The Data Café Podcast
Voice-First Note Taking on The Data Café - Exploring how Cleft is changing the way we capture ideas (15:20)
July 26, 2024
press
Lifehacker Review
July 25, 2024
beta
Local Transcription & Offline Storage
Version 0.14.0

Added

Fixed

  • Recording lock issue
  • Connection stability improvements
July 11, 2024
press
Liquidmatrix Security Digest
Voice Note Security & Privacy on Liquidmatrix Security Digest - Deep dive into Cleft’s approach to secure voice notes (28:45)
July 4, 2024
beta
Restore Purchases & Mac Features
Version 0.13.0

Added

Changed

  • Improved authentication flow
June 26, 2024
beta
Zapier & Apple Notes Integration
Version 0.12.0

Added

Fixed

  • Background transcription issue
June 24, 2024
policy
Terms of Service Refund Policy
Terms Enhancement - Added comprehensive refund policyIntroduced our no-questions-asked 14-day refund policy, ensuring users have confidence in their Cleft Plus subscription. This policy demonstrates our commitment to user satisfaction and transparency in billing practices.
June 18, 2024
beta
Custom Instructions Improvements
Version 0.11.0

Changed

Fixed

  • Sync reliability improvements
June 12, 2024
beta
Early Spotlight Search
Version 0.10.0

Added

Fixed

  • Recording and note display issues
June 5, 2024
press
CustomerSuccess.cx
How AI will change CX on CustomerSuccess.cx - Featured as innovative AI transcription tool
June 4, 2024
beta
Widget Support & Live Activity
Version 0.9.0

Added

Fixed

  • Recording limit issues
May 29, 2024
beta
Shortcuts App Integration
Version 0.8.0

Added

  • Shortcuts App - Apple Shortcuts integration
  • Recording Features - 10 free recordings, 3-minute time limit

Changed

  • Updated onboarding experience
May 28, 2024
press
Original Mac Guy Comparison
Apps for Dictation — Comparing Whisper Memos with Cleft Notes by Original Mac Guy - In-depth comparison
May 27, 2024
press
The Vergecast
Building the Future of Note Taking on The Vergecast - How Cleft is reimagining productivity through voice (25:30)
May 25, 2024
GeekWire Podcast
Microsoft Copilot+ PCs: Has the AI computer revolution finally arrived? on GeekWire Podcast - Featured among favorite AI tools (37:00)
May 24, 2024
beta
Note Timestamps & Mac Shortcuts
Version 0.7.0

Added

Fixed

  • User preference saving
May 17, 2024
beta
Search & Custom Instructions
Version 0.6.0

Added

  • Search - Search functionality for notes
  • Custom Instructions - Early custom instructions
  • UI Improvements - Splash screen and navigation
May 13, 2024
press
TechCrunch Launch
Buy Me a Coffee’s founder has built an AI-powered voice note app on TechCrunch - Exclusive feature on Cleft’s launch
May 10, 2024
beta
UI Overhaul & Note Summaries
Version 0.5.0

Added

  • UI Overhaul - Complete interface redesign
  • Note Summaries - AI-powered summaries
  • Performance - Speed improvements
May 4, 2024
press
Ops+Bots Review
Cleft Notes is the AI app that turns your voice into action on Ops+Bots - Deep dive into voice-first productivity
May 3, 2024
beta
Note Organization & Audio Controls
Version 0.4.0

Added

Fixed

  • Critical bug fixes
April 30, 2024
press
The Sweet Setup
April 28, 2024
beta
Onboarding & Core Features
Version 0.3.0

Added

April 19, 2024
beta
Foundational Features & Voice Recording
Version 0.2.0

Added

  • Foundational Features - Basic app infrastructure
  • Voice Recording - Initial recording capability
February 22, 2024
policy
Privacy & Terms Pre-Release Update
Policy Alignment - Pre-release policy updatesUpdated both privacy policy and terms of service to align with upcoming product functionalities. Added Subject Access Request form for enhanced user data control and transparency.
April 10, 2024
beta
Initial Beta Release
Version 0.1.0

Added

  • Initial Beta - First beta release for testing
  • Core Functionality - Basic voice-to-text features
April 5, 2024
press
Department of Product
Featured in Department of Product: Briefing - How Cleft is changing product development workflows
April 1, 2024
press
Absolute Geeks Review
Transform Your Voice Memos Into Polished, Shareable Notes on Absolute Geeks - Comprehensive review
April 1, 2024
press
Dataconomy Feature
March 31, 2024
press
The Verge Launch Coverage
An AI voice notes app that really works on The Verge - Launch coverage

December 27, 2023
policy
Initial Privacy Policy & Terms
Foundation Established - First comprehensive privacy policy and terms of serviceEstablished Cleft’s foundational commitment to user privacy and data protection. Created our initial privacy promise that your data belongs to you, not us - a principle that continues to guide everything we build.

For more information about upcoming features, visit our roadmap or join our community.