Apple plans to significantly upgrade the microphone performance on the upcoming iPhone 16, focusing on enhancing Siri’s experience, according to new research shared by reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a new Medium post, Kuo believes that the iPhone 16’s microphone hardware will receive a significant boost in the form of an updated signal-to-noise ratio performance and improved water resistance. The new microphone specifications will enable Apple to enhance the performance of Siri across the iPhone 16 lineup, which Kuo says will require hardware and software upgrades in tandem.
More specifically, the new microphone is thought to be necessary to power an overhauled Siri which will more heavily rely on generative AI and large language models (LLMs). Kuo also says that the microphone on the iPhone 16 will incur a great cost for Apple as the updated specifications will push the unit price of each microphone up by as much as 150%. As a result, Apple’s microphone suppliers AAC and Goertek will see their revenue greatly benefit from sourcing the new microphone.
Earlier rumors have pointed out that Siri could receive a massive overhaul as part of iOS 18 as Apple invests more than ever into generative AI. While an improved Siri could theoretically make its way to most if not all improved iPhone models set to receive iOS 18, Apple could reserve certain high-end features for the iPhone 16 with its updated hardware.
We are nearly 10 months away from the announcement of the iPhone 16 lineup, but rumors are already piling up over what to expect from the next iPhone generation. Rumors so far have included bigger display sizes for the iPhone 16 Pro, 5G Advanced connectivity, 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, metal battery casing, and more.
