FrigadeHQ/yap

What it solves

Yap provides a fast, private, on-device voice dictation tool for macOS that allows users to insert text into any active text field without relying on cloud-based transcription or heavy external models like Whisper.

How it works

It leverages the SpeechAnalyzer and SpeechTranscriber APIs introduced in macOS 26 (Tahoe) to perform streaming speech-to-text locally on Apple Silicon Macs. The app captures audio via AVAudioEngine, processes it through Apple's on-device models, and inserts the resulting text into the focused application by temporarily using the system clipboard and simulating a paste command (⌘V).

Who it’s for

macOS users on Apple Silicon who want a lightweight, privacy-focused dictation tool that works globally across all applications, especially those who prefer to avoid cloud-based services or high-memory model weights.

Highlights

• Fully On-Device: No audio or transcripts leave the machine; no network calls or telemetry.
• Global Integration: Works in any app where you can type, using rebindable shortcuts (e.g., ⌘⇧D).
• Low Overhead: Written in native Swift, avoiding Electron or heavy browser engines, idling at around 60 MB of memory.
• Live Feedback: Features a live waveform and real-time partial transcript preview while speaking.
• Local History: Saves all transcripts locally for easy retrieval and reuse.