Where is the Microphone on iPhones?
Understanding the microphone location on different iPhone models is crucial for optimizing audio input for calls, voice recordings, and Siri interactions. So, let's dive into this topic and uncover the microphone locations across iPhone models.
| iPhone Model | Bottom Microphone | Rear Microphone | Front Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 4 and 4S | Next to charging port | Near headphone jack | Not Applicable |
| iPhone 5, 5S, 5C | Next to speaker grilles | Between camera & flash | Above screen, near earpiece |
| iPhone 6 and 6S | Next to speaker grilles | Between camera & flash | Integrated into earpiece |
| iPhone 7 and 7 Plus | Flanked by stereo speakers | Same as iPhone 6 | Integrated into earpiece |
| iPhone 8 and 8 Plus | Flanked by stereo speakers | Same as iPhone 7 | Integrated into earpiece |
| iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max | Unchanged from iPhone 8 | Unchanged from iPhone 8 | Integrated into notch |
| iPhone 11 Series | Unchanged from X series | Unchanged from X series | Integrated into notch |
| iPhone 12 Series | Unchanged from 11 series | Unchanged from 11 series | Integrated into notch |
| iPhone 13 Series and later | Unchanged from 12 series | Unchanged from 12 series | Integrated into notch |
Microphone Locations on Different iPhone Models
iPhone 4 and 4S
Starting with the classics, the iPhone 4 and 4S marked a significant design shift in Apple's lineup. These models have two microphones. The primary microphone is located at the bottom of the phone, next to the charging port. This is used mainly for voice input during calls. The second microphone, serving as a noise-canceling feature, is subtly placed near the headphone jack on the top.
iPhone 5, 5S, and 5C
Apple continued its innovative design with the iPhone 5 series. These models feature three microphones. The primary one remains at the bottom, near the speaker grilles. The second microphone is located between the camera and the flash on the back, aiding in video recording and noise reduction. The third, for FaceTime and other voice services, is located on the front, above the screen next to the earpiece.
iPhone 6 and 6S Series
The iPhone 6 and 6S series, known for their larger screens, also have three microphones. The positions remain similar to the 5 series, with the primary microphone at the bottom, the noise-canceling one at the rear, and the front-facing microphone integrated into the earpiece.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
With the iPhone 7 series, Apple removed the headphone jack, but the microphone setup remained consistent with three microphones. The primary microphone at the bottom of the phone is flanked by the stereo speakers, while the secondary and tertiary microphones retain their positions at the rear and front.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
The iPhone 8 series, often overshadowed by the X series, maintained the microphone configuration of its predecessors. The positioning is identical to the 7 series, ensuring consistent audio input across various functionalities.
iPhone X, XR, XS, and XS Max
Entering the era of notches and facial recognition, the X series iPhones come with a slight change in microphone placement. The primary microphone at the bottom and the rear microphone remain unchanged. However, the front-facing microphone is now integrated into the notch, alongside the TrueDepth camera system.
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
The iPhone 11 models, renowned for their camera capabilities, also excel in audio input. The microphone placement is similar to the X series, with meticulous integration into the phone's design, ensuring optimal functionality for voice input and noise cancellation.
iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Models
The iPhone 12 series, with its redesigned edges and enhanced features, continues the trend of three strategically placed microphones. The bottom, rear, and front (in the notch) microphones work in unison to provide an immersive audio experience.
iPhone 13 and 13 Pro Models
The latest in Apple's arsenal, the iPhone 13 series, upholds the legacy of its predecessors in terms of microphone placement. The focus remains on providing clear audio input for various applications, from voice commands to video recordings.
Understanding Microphone Usage
Knowing the location of the microphones on your iPhone is more than just a trivia fact. It can significantly improve your user experience. For instance, when recording a video, being aware of the rear microphone's location can help avoid accidental covering, ensuring clear audio capture. Similarly, for voice-to-text features, speaking directly towards the bottom microphone can enhance accuracy.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, staying informed about your device's capabilities is key. For iPhone users, understanding the microphone placement across different models is crucial for optimizing the device's audio features. From calls to content creation, the strategic placement of microphones in iPhones ensures that your voice is always heard, loud and clear.
But if you want your audio recording to reach a next level of quality, you should get an external Microphone for your iPhone.
Author
Maxime Levesque is a technical engineer with more than 5 years of professional experience. He is an expert in computer and phones, mostly on Apple products. Maxime is also the founder of TechBrowser.
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