Apple will upgrade the microphone on the iPhone 16 to enhance new Siri AI features

In an intriguing development, Apple is gearing up for a major overhaul of the iPhone 16's microphone, aiming to revolutionize the Siri experience through advanced AI capabilities, as per insights from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo emphasizes that amplifying Siri's potential hinges on both hardware and software enhancements, particularly in the realm of voice input processing. The iPhone 16 is slated to feature a substantial microphone upgrade, with a noteworthy focus on improving the signal-to-noise ratio. This move is expected to elevate the Siri user experience significantly, with added benefits like enhanced water resistance.

Speculations align with reports that Apple intends to position the upgraded Siri as a standout feature of the iPhone 16. Anticipated iOS 18 updates are set to introduce new Siri functionalities powered by large-language models (LLMs). Kuo's report sheds light on Apple's strategic restructuring of the Siri team in Q3, emphasizing the integration of generative AI and LLMs. This fuels rumors that exclusive on-device AI features might be exclusive to the iPhone 16 models.

According to Kuo's recent survey, AAC and Goertek emerge as the chosen microphone suppliers for the iPhone 16, both poised to benefit equally from the specification overhaul. Kuo predicts a substantial boost in revenues and earnings for AAC and Goertek, with the average selling price (ASP) of microphones for each iPhone 16 anticipated to surge by at least 100–150% compared to the iPhone 15. This underscores the financial gains expected from this innovative microphone upgrade.