Alleged 'iPhone 7' schematics hint at mic instead of second speaker

Although Apple's 4.7-inch "iPhone 7" may replace a 3.5mm headphone jack with a second speaker grill, that grill may not actually have a speaker behind it, according to leaked schematics posted on Friday.

Instead it may contain a microphone, NWE said, cautioning that its automatic translation may be inaccurate. The schematics are in Chinese, purportedly from one of Apple's assembly partners — implying Foxconn or Pegatron.

Some rumors have suggested that the "iPhone 7" could have twin speakers, like other flagship smartphones, offering a bit of compensation for losing a native 3.5mm jack.

If there is no second speaker, the grill would simply be a cosmetic touch to improve symmetry, since iPhones already use bottom-mounted microphones. Indeed the iPhone SE uses a similar false-speaker arrangement.

The schematics otherwise match recent leaks, indicating relocated antenna bands and a larger opening for the camera.

Apple is expected to ship two new iPhones next month, the other being the 5.5-inch "iPhone 7 Plus." That model should have a dual-lens camera, and/or a Smart Connector on the back.

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22 Comments

Iphoneloca

said about 7 years ago

Any chance that with another mic, the iPhone might become a little bit more like Amazon's echo? I would love to talk to Siri from across the room, but she's not quite a Goodnuf listener.

thewhitefalcon

said about 7 years ago

Iphoneloca said:

Any chance that with another mic, the iPhone might become a little bit more like Amazon's echo? I would love to talk to Siri from across the room, but she's not quite a Goodnuf listener.

Siri doesn't use the bottom mic as much as the top two.

levi

said about 7 years ago

thewhitefalcon said:

Iphoneloca said:

Any chance that with another mic, the iPhone might become a little bit more like Amazon's echo? I would love to talk to Siri from across the room, but she's not quite a Goodnuf listener.

Siri doesn't use the bottom mic as much as the top two.

Yes, but a bottom mic would be used for something. If they are redesigning or expanding this it would indicate new or improved functionality. Some of the most frequent complaints about Siri is accuracy and range - things that Amazon may have partly addressed through a robust microphone array. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss iphoneloca's comments.

radarthekat

said about 7 years ago

levi said:

thewhitefalcon said:

Siri doesn't use the bottom mic as much as the top two.

Yes, but a bottom mic would be used for something. If they are redesigning or expanding this it would indicate new or improved functionality. Some of the most frequent complaints about Siri is accuracy and range - things that Amazon may have partly addressed through a robust microphone array. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss iphoneloca's comments.

There's, of course, already a mic at the bottom. If Siri doesn't use it now, there might be a reason for that.

xmhillx

said about 7 years ago

Ah crap. Leaks and rumors and reports are conflicting and all over the place. That's why they're called rumors I guess hahah.

Fuck I can't wait till September.