First series of iPad Mini that could convetrt speech to text?

Hi endways-camberley,

welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community!

Re: First series of iPad Mini that could convetrt speech to text?

Am no expert in this area, so, sorry I do not know. for sure ... yet your request certainly deserves some response.

Converting speech to text may depend upon the iPadOS version that is installed on the particular iPad Mini.

Seems the first "iPad Mini" (had no series number) arrived in 2012, here's a link to the Technical Specifications

iPad mini - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

For details of other models, you can scroll right down.to the list of iPad Minis. in the article below:

See: Identify your iPad model - Apple Support

A well-respected community member has compiled a "Complete List of iPads, release year and current iOS /

iPad Os version they can run". (NB: iPadOS versions are listed in bold text )

See: Complete List of iPads, release year and … - Apple Community

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Latest iPadOS is version 18. (You can choose iPadOS 13 up to 18 in Apple Support's article below)

Apple Support article. for iPad OS 13 says you can: Dictate text on iPad - Apple Support (ZA)

Eg. says:

Note: Dictation may not be available in all languages or in all. countries or regions, and features may vary.

Cellular data charges may apply. See View or change cellular settings on iPad.

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Re: "Dyslexic author seeking the means to provide written text for his wife to edit and type first draft.."

If it helps:

There are ways online, to submit audio files and promptly receive written transcripts back, ready to edit.

(Seems some offer a certain amount for free) Eg: Notta or TurboScribe

(NB: have not tried these myself : eg: check privacy, copyright ,etc).

(Non-Apple) YouTube video about Notta: How to Convert Audio to Text Using AI for free.

All the best :-)