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

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.

iOS 18 Mock iPhone 16 Feature Gray
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.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

BootsWalking Avatar
21 months ago
My $20 echo dot can understand me across a noisy room with almost 100% accuracy. The problem isn't the microphone.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
21 months ago
Hey Siri, are you getting a new microphone?




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Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
No5tromo Avatar
21 months ago
Pretty sure Siri's issues don't stem from the microphones
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
antiprotest Avatar
21 months ago
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?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lerenard3000 Avatar
21 months ago
But I have AirPods Pro’s microphone a few centimeters away from my mouth already and it is still dumb
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IllegitimateValor Avatar
21 months ago
Good. Siri often chooses to spend entire days either mishearing requests or cutting me off before I’ve finished
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)