iPhone Rumors Roundup: New Microphone In iPhone 16, Under-Display Camera, And More،
Minutes after the launch of the iPhone 15, reports about upcoming models like the iPhone 16 and developments that may enter production in a few years are circulating on the Internet. The iPhone maker plans to integrate AI-based features into its voice assistant, for which it needs to improve the microphone hardware. Additionally, the company is also exploring under-display camera options. Here is what Apple plans for its future iPhones.
iPhone 16 will feature an improved microphone for a better Siri experience
In a blog post, a renowned Apple analyst claims that all iPhone 16 models will come with a significantly improved microphone system. In addition to improved water resistance, the microphones will feature an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which measures signal against background noise. This should improve the overall Siri experience, as the microphones should be able to better detect users saying “Siri.”
For those catching up, Apple plans to integrate AI into the next iPhones, and Siri, the voice assistant, should benefit. According to Kuo, “voice input will be the key interface for AI/AIGC/LLM on mobile smartphones, so strengthening the hardware and software features and specifications of Siri” is the only way for Apple to achieve this.
New microphone increases manufacturing cost
The improved microphone sensor is expected to come at a higher cost, however. Kuo mentions that the average selling price of the upgraded microphone for the iPhone 16 is expected to be at least 100-150% higher than that of the iPhone 15. Although this will benefit AAC and Goertek, Apple's microphone suppliers , this could contribute to a higher overall cost for the iPhone 16 variants.
Apple explores under-display cameras for future iPhones
According to another report from The Elec, LG Innotek is developing an under-panel camera (UPC) system for iPhones introduced until after 2026. We have already seen under-screen cameras on a few smartphones, including the Galaxy Z series Samsung Fold. However, the technology presents a major problem; it doesn't let enough light through the camera opening (also acts as a screen when needed). This in turn leads to poor quality images.
To solve this problem, LG Innotek has implemented a solution that uses “free-form optics” technology. In a patent, the company mentions that using a free-form lens can reduce information loss by increasing the ratio of light around the camera sensor. While UPC is expected to arrive in production units after 2026, the Cupertino-based tech giant is also exploring Face ID under the screen, where opening the sensor acts as a normal display when not in use. used.
Meanwhile, Tata Group plans to strengthen Indian production
On a related note, Tata Group plans to expand iPhone production in India by building one of the largest assembly plants. According to a Bloomberg report, the company may set up the factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with 20 assembly lines and a workforce of 50,000 people. The report also mentions that the facility could be operational between a year and 18 months, or by mid-2025.
In the past, Apple has explored its options for reallocating its resources outside of China. He also affirmed the scale of production in India, expressing interest in moving a significant range of production to the country. Therefore, Tata's decision to expand production aligns with the iPhone maker's overall strategy.
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