Apple's recent updates to iOS are making a notable difference in the quality of phone calls, thanks to a feature that is sure to be a game changer for iPhone users.
Introduced in iOS 16.4, Voice Isolation promises clearer conversations by minimizing background noise, a welcome improvement for those frequently on business calls or simply chatting with friends and family.
While iOS 15 had already added Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum to FaceTime calls, this feature was expanded to regular phone calls in iOS 16.4, allowing users to enjoy more focused, high-quality communication. Now, with the latest update in October—iOS 18.1—Apple continues to refine its software, enhancing the functionality of these features and further improving call quality.
What is voice isolation?
Voice Isolation works by muffling unwanted background noise, such as barking dogs, traffic, or even construction sounds, ensuring that your voice remains the focus of the conversation.
Whether you're on a business call or catching up with friends, the feature allows for a more professional and clear communication experience.
It’s incredibly easy to activate. Simply follow these steps while on an active call:
- Open the Phone app.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
- Tap Phone Controls near the top of the screen.
- Select Voice Isolation.
Once activated, Voice Isolation remains on for all future calls until manually turned off, making it a convenient feature for regular users. To disable the feature, repeat the process and tap Standard in Phone Controls to return to the default microphone settings.
What is wide spectrum?
Alongside Voice Isolation, Apple also introduced the Wide Spectrum mode, but this feature is currently only available for FaceTime calls. In contrast to Voice Isolation, which focuses on eliminating background noise, Wide Spectrum amplifies surrounding sounds while preserving the clarity of your voice. This is particularly useful for group calls, where multiple voices need to be heard clearly without distortion.
At present, Wide Spectrum is still limited to FaceTime calls, but its presence in the Phone Controls suggests that Apple may introduce it for regular phone calls in the future.
Apple’s continuous refinement of iOS indicates an ongoing commitment to improving user experience, especially when it comes to communication tools. As more features are added, users can expect a higher level of clarity and convenience during phone calls. With the integration of Voice Isolation and potentially Wide Spectrum for all calls, iPhone users will benefit from a more seamless and professional communication experience.
For now, those looking to improve the quality of their calls will want to make sure their device is updated to iOS 16.4 or later. Stay tuned for future updates, including the possibilities of expanded features in iOS 18.2.
