The release of the major software update for iPhone, iOS 16.4, introduced brand new emojis, new accessibility features, changes to key applications like Apple Books, HomeKit and Podcasts, among many others.
However, one of the most useful new additions is the voice isolation capability.
This feature was first introduced with iOS 15, changing the way the iPhone’s built-in microphone works. The problem was that the feature could only be used for FaceTime calls and some third-party applications. As a result, users called for Apple to extend this feature to regular phone calls.
iPhone will now… only hear your voice!
Now, the company has officially brought the “Voice Isolation” mode to the microphone for regular calls over phone networks in iOS 16.4. What does this mean? That by activating this function, the iPhone will “focus” on your voice and automatically cut out all background noise from your microphone. For example, if you’re talking while walking down the street, the person you’re talking with won’t hear the sounds of cars passing by or other pedestrians, only your voice.
How is voice isolation activated?
As this feature is part of iOS 16.4, you will need to have this new version of the operating system installed. If your iPhone is running on iOS 16.4, you can activate Voice Isolation for regular calls over phone networks by following these steps:
- Start a call with someone.
- During the call, open the Control Center, as shown in the image below.
- Select the Mic Mode.
- From the list that opens, select the voice isolation option.
In case you’re wondering, the Wide Spectrum function that also appears in the photograph isn’t available for mobile phone calls. In this mode, the iPhone does exactly the opposite and intensifies all surrounding sounds.
