WhatsApp puts iPhone Mic Modes in call controls

WhatsApp is rolling out a small but useful update for iPhone users: direct access to Mic Mode controls during calls. According to WABetaInfo, users can now switch microphone settings from the WhatsApp call screen instead of opening Control Center first.

×

From the in-call interface, users can tap the More button at the bottom of the screen, then choose mic mode. That opens Apple’s system menu, where users can pick from four options:

• Automatic
• Standard
• Voice Isolation
• Wide Spectrum

iOS applies the selected mode immediately, without ending or interrupting the call. WABetaInfo also says the setting persists between calls. If a user turns on Voice Isolation, for example, WhatsApp will keep using it for future calls until another mode is selected.

Recommended reading

Signal tests Android phones as linked devices

Apple describes the modes this way:

• Automatic: Uses the Mic Mode best suited to the call or recording. Apple says it uses Voice Isolation to block ambient noise during calls with the receiver, and Standard for speakerphone calls.
• Standard: Uses standard voice processing.
• Voice Isolation: Prioritizes the user’s voice and blocks ambient noise.
• Wide Spectrum: Leaves ambient sounds unfiltered.

According to Apple, Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum require iOS 15 or later and work on iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and newer models. Automatic Mic Mode requires iOS 18 or later.

As with many new WhatsApp features, the rollout is gradual, so not every user will see it right away.