iPhone 16 Models Again Rumored to Feature Upgraded Microphones for iOS 18's Revamped Siri

[MacRumors]

iPhone 16 models will feature upgraded microphones with a higher signal-to-noise ratio compared to previous models, allowing for the devices to hear your voice more clearly, according to Haitong analyst Jeff Pu. This upgrade should improve the accuracy of Siri, which is expected to be revamped with generative AI features on iOS 18 later this year.

In a research note earlier this month, Pu said some of iOS 18's generative AI features will likely be limited to iPhone 16 models, as a result of the upgraded microphones and a larger Neural Engine in the A18 and A18 Pro chips for the devices. Both of these hardware changes have been rumored by other sources, increasing their likelihood.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the upgraded microphones on iPhone 16 models could "improve the Siri experience significantly." In addition to a higher signal-to-noise ratio, he said the new microphones will offer improved water resistance.

On an earnings call earlier this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the company was working on generative AI and will share details "later this year." In addition to Siri, iOS 18 is rumored to add new generative AI capabilities to Spotlight, Shortcuts, Messages, Apple Music, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, Health, and more.

Apple is expected to announce iOS 18 at WWDC in June, and the update should be released to all users in September alongside the iPhone 16 series.

Article Link: iPhone 16 Models Again Rumored to Feature Upgraded Microphones for iOS 18's Revamped Siri

 

[xmach]

HomePod (mini) could also use upgraded, more accurate microphones to improve the Siri experience, which is often uneven. If this rumor for the next iPhone is true, I hope it also impacts future HomePods.

 

[Jakewilk]

I’ve always thought the iPhone’s microphone had too much noise in videos I shoot. I hope the recording quality is improved by this as well!

 

[vegetassj4]

Hey Siri, are you getting a new microphone?

 

[IllegitimateValor]

Good. Siri often chooses to spend entire days either mishearing requests or cutting me off before I’ve finished

 

[scrapesleon]

Let me ask Siri on the HomePod again to play Apple Music hits and not tell me to continue on iPhone for results

 

[BootsWalking]

My $20 echo dot can understand me across a noisy room with almost 100% accuracy. The problem isn't the microphone.

 

[coffeemilktea]

Does this mean Siri is finally getting good after well over a decade? This may be the most exciting rumor in a while. 👀

 

[antiprotest]

If Apple thinks that the problem has been the microphone, they are not getting it at all and Siri will not be improving significantly. Siri itself could have done the "here's what I found on the web" move and let them know.

I assume -- at least, I hope -- the people at Apple are at least smarter than Siri and as informed as the average teenage user, and that improving the microphone is just a tiny and less relevant part of a huge, huge effort.

But, to be honest, I don't really expect anything from Apple anymore. I just hope. And I want to be pleasantly surprised. Maybe it will happen?

 

[adammusic]

Finally ! Theyre using the same mics are iphone 1.

 

[Lerenard3000]

But I have AirPods Pro’s microphone a few centimeters away from my mouth already and it is still dumb

 

[iPay]

So, those mic improvements are not for us humans, but for Siri to better eavesdrop and improve its own experience? are we also obsolete as "the product" !?
edit: I'm fine with it as long as Siri pays for the upgrade

 

[Populus]

So… what about other devices, such as the new M3 iPad Pro? Will it ship already lacking some features such as the fully capable Siri? Will they include new microphones to enable it? On that case… that’s not about the bigger Neural Engine on the A18, but the new microphone array/technology.

Same question for the already released M3 MacBook Pros: Will they lack the new IA features from macOS 15? That would be an ugly move from Apple.

 

[soyazul]

Is this updated mic rumor an excuse testing, that will let our loved Apple offer upgrades for the iPhone 16 lineup only?

 

[antiprotest]

So, those mic improvements are not for us humans, but for Siri to better eavesdrop and improve its own experience? are we also obsolete as "the product" !?
edit: I'm fine with it as long as Siri pays for the upgrade

You are not getting it. Siri is entirely private because it is stupid -- it doesn't understand anything you are saying. But apparently Apple thinks that it is deaf, so they will fix the deaf part. But if it stays stupid, your info is still safe. Everything sounds like gibberish to Siri whether it is hearing you correctly or not.

 

[k1121j]

Home Pod (mini) could also use upgraded, more accurate microphones to improve the Siri experience, which is often uneven. If this rumor for the next iPhone is true, I hope it also impacts future Home Pods.

EXACTLY!! I was just thinking the same thing. SIRI also needs a brain its often painful just to have SIRI turn off and on lights then you get "What room" Bedroom 1. Bedroom 2 and wont take more input until its done listing every room in my home 30 seconds later..... Does anyone at apple use this to see how the user experience is? I could go on and on

 

[No5tromo]

Pretty sure Siri's issues don't stem from the microphones

 

[Flight Plan]

I'm fine with it as long as Siri pays for the upgrade

Normally, I'd say the same thing, but for a long time now, I've suspected that Siri is really a paid assassin. If she is, then she'll surely have more than enough money to do whatever she wishes with her money after offing your little human self. And she'll do it about 5 minutes after she offs me!

The last time Siri tried to kill me and make it look like an accident, it was during a hurricane, and the hurricane wasn't anywhere near me. But that's not for lack of trying from Siri. If your human seems to be moving AWAY from the hurricane, never forget that there are countless lakes, rivers, and chasms that are still available to you. So "A" for effort, girl; A for effort!

It's as if Lara Croft had a murder-minded robot after her. Or if one of Tony Stark's robots decided to kill the world. I wonder what Elon is up to with those brain chips?

 

[magicschoolbus]

Pretty sure Siri's issues don't stem from the microphones

lmao they can make the entire back of the phone one giant mic and it won't help Siri one bit.

 

[Eldaerenth Faexidor]

I wear my AirPods all day long so this next gen microphone is pretty useless for me.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Is this updated mic rumor an excuse testing, that will let our loved Apple offer upgrades for the iPhone 16 lineup only?

It sure sounds like an excuse to only bring an updated Siri to iPhone 16.

Gotta have that carrot to convince people to upgrade.

 

[nuff_said]

In a research note earlier this month, Pu said some of iOS 18's generative AI features will likely be limited to iPhone 16 models, as a result of the upgraded microphones and a larger Neural Engine in the A18 and A18 Pro chips for the devices.

Honest question: what could possibly be the reason for Apple to limit some generative AI features to the 16s?

 

[Fraserpatty]

The iPad Pro M2 has a five microphone array that has excellent hearing. Next excuse?

 

[anthogag]

A better microphone for better voice recognition. E.g. Use Siri without unlocking the iPhone while driving.

 

[svish]

Don't think an upgraded microphone alone will help to improve Siri. But anyway expecting iOS 18 to improve Siri across all the devices.