Exciting Updates with iOS 26 Coming This September

Apple is gearing up for the release of iOS 26 on Sept. 15, and it’s bringing some fantastic features, including call screening. However, you don’t need the latest update to take advantage of Voice Isolation—a feature that enhances call clarity on your iPhone.

Voice Isolation made its debut in 2023 with iOS 16.4 and has been a game-changer since its initial introduction. While it was paired with Wide Spectrum for FaceTime calls beginning in iOS 15, Voice Isolation is currently the only microphone mode available for traditional phone calls.

When you activate Voice Isolation, it effectively muffles distracting background noises, ensuring your conversation remains clear and focused. Whether you’re on a business call or simply chatting with friends, external sounds—like a barking dog or construction noises—will be less noticeable.

How to Activate Voice Isolation

To enable Voice Isolation during your phone calls, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Launch your Phone app.
2. While on a call, swipe down from the top-right corner to access your Control Center.
3. Tap on Phone Controls located near the top.
4. Select Voice Isolation.

If you wish to disable this feature, simply repeat the steps and choose Standard in Phone Controls to revert to the default microphone settings.

Understanding Other Microphone Modes

Alongside Voice Isolation, you will find other modes like Wide Spectrum and Automatic in the Phone Controls. Here’s a quick rundown:

Wide Spectrum enhances ambient sounds without compromising your voice clarity. This mode is ideal for group calls where multiple participants are involved, ensuring that everyone is heard clearly. Currently, Wide Spectrum is only available for FaceTime calls, but it might expand to regular calls down the line.

The Automatic mode selects the most suitable configuration for your call. For instance, it activates Voice Isolation to reduce noise while using the call receiver, but switches to Standard mode for speakerphone calls. This adaptability ensures the best sound quality based on your circumstances.

As we approach the launch of iOS 26, more features like call screening will be rolled out, enhancing the user experience even further. Keeping an eye on these updates could unlock new functionalities that enrich your daily interactions on your iPhone.