Apple released iOS 17.5 in May 13, which introduced a new puzzle game and third-party tracker detection to iPhones. However, a feature that could significantly improve the quality of phone calls was added in iOS 16.4 over a year ago. This feature, called Voice Isolation, muffles background noises during phone calls, such as dogs barking or construction sounds, allowing for clearer communication. Voice Isolation was initially introduced in iOS 15 for FaceTime calls, but it is now available for phone calls as well.
To activate Voice Isolation during a phone call, users have to swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center and tap on Mic Mode. From there, they can select Voice Isolation to enable the feature. Once activated, Voice Isolation remains on for all subsequent phone calls until manually turned off. To disable Voice Isolation, users can follow the same steps and select Standard in Mic Mode, returning the microphone to its default setting. Wide Spectrum, another feature available in Mic Mode, amplifies background sounds without affecting the user’s voice, but it is currently only available for FaceTime calls, not phone calls.
Wide Spectrum is particularly useful for group calls where multiple people are on the line, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard clearly. While the feature is not yet available for phone calls, it remains present in Mic Mode during phone calls, indicating that it may be added in the future. For more information on the features included in iOS 17.5 as well as a cheat sheet for iOS 17, users can refer to corresponding resources from CNET. Additionally, there are anticipations and desires for features to be included in the upcoming iOS 18, which may be announced at WWDC 2024.
Overall, the addition of Voice Isolation to phone calls in iOS 16.4 and subsequent updates like iOS 17.5 marks a significant improvement in call quality for iPhone users. By muffling distracting background noises and amplifying voices, these features enhance communication experiences and provide a more seamless interaction during phone calls. As technology continues to evolve, Apple is likely to introduce more innovations and improvements to further enhance user experiences on their devices. With features like Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum, iPhone users can enjoy clearer and more effective phone calls.
