Unlock Clear Calls with iPhone’s Voice Isolation Feature

Apple recently released the first public beta of iOS 26 on July 24, which includes exciting features like call screening for iPhones. However, you don’t have to be a developer or beta tester to access a hidden gem that enhances call clarity for your conversations. This feature, known as Voice Isolation, significantly improves your calling experience.

Introduced in 2023 with iOS 16.4, Voice Isolation was part of enhancements that Apple introduced to FaceTime calls in iOS 15 back in 2021. However, it’s currently only available for standard phone calls, making it a unique tool for everyday use.

When you enable Voice Isolation, it effectively muffles distracting background noises during your calls. So if you’re dialing into a business meeting or catching up with friends, your conversations can flow uninterrupted, free from distractions like barking dogs or outdoor construction sounds.

It’s essential to note that Voice Isolation can only be activated during an active phone call, as it’s not located in your phone’s Settings menu. Once enabled, the feature remains active for your future calls until you decide to turn it off manually.

How to Enable Voice Isolation

1. Open your Phone app.
2. While on an active call, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to access your Control Center.
3. Select Phone Controls at the top of your screen.
4. Tap Voice Isolation.

If you want to disable Voice Isolation, simply follow the same steps and select Standard in Phone Controls to revert your microphone back to its default setting.

What is Wide Spectrum?

Alongside Voice Isolation in Phone Controls, you will also find the Wide Spectrum feature. Unlike Voice Isolation, which minimizes background sounds, Wide Spectrum amplifies them, ensuring that not just your voice but also the surrounding sounds are captured. This feature is particularly useful for group calls where multiple participants are on the same line.

Currently, Wide Spectrum is exclusive to FaceTime calls. Given its presence in Phone Controls, there’s potential for this feature to become available for standard phone calls as well, enhancing iPhone communication in future updates.

For more on iOS 18, you can discover all the features included in iOS 18.5 and iOS 18.4. If you’re looking for a comprehensive overview, check our iOS 18 cheat sheet or explore my thoughts on the iOS 26 beta.