Audio Mix is a new iPhone 16 feature that lets you edit the sound in your videos after recording. You can reduce background noise, make voices clearer, or add movie-like effects. Here's how to use Audio Mix for iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max:
- Open the Photos app and select a video you recorded with your iPhone 16.
- Tap Edit (bottom right).
- Tap Audio Mix and choose a mode (Standard, In-Frame, Studio, or Cinematic).
- Adjust the slider to control background noise (Cinematic mode only).
- Tap Done to save.
Now, let’s break down how to master this tool!
What You Need to Use Audio Mix
Before diving in, make sure:
- Your iPhone 16 is running iOS 18 or newer (update via Settings > General > Software Update).
- The video was recorded with your iPhone 16’s camera (Audio Mix won’t work with downloaded videos).
- You’re not using an external microphone (Audio Mix only works with the iPhone’s built-in mics).
How to Use Audio Mix for iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to edit your video’s audio:
- Record a video: Open the Camera app and film your clip.
- Open the Photos app: Go to your video library.
- Select your video: Tap the video you want to edit.
- Tap Edit: Look for the "Edit" button in the bottom-right corner.
- Choose Audio Mix: A new menu will appear with four audio modes.
- Pick a mode: Test Standard, In-Frame, Studio, or Cinematic (details below).
- Adjust the slider (if available): In Cinematic mode, slide left to hear more background noise or right to focus on voices.
- Save your edits: Tap Done (top right) to finish.
Understanding the 4 Audio Mix Modes
Audio Mix offers four modes to customize your video’s sound. Here’s what each does:
| Mode | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Keeping original sound | No changes—just spatial audio from the iPhone’s microphones. |
| In-Frame | Removing off-camera noise | Isolates voices of people on screen and mutes background chatter or distractions. |
| Studio | Making voices sound crisp and clear | Simulates a professional studio recording, even if the speaker is several feet away. |
| Cinematic | Adding movie-like depth | Balances voice clarity with ambient sounds (e.g., wind, crowds). Adjust with slider. |
Examples:
- Use In-Frame if someone behind the camera talks during your recording (e.g., “Camera rolling!”).
- Choose Studio for vlogs or interviews to sound like you’re using a high-quality mic.
- Cinematic works great for travel videos where you want subtle background noise (e.g., waves, city sounds).
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Record in a quiet place: Audio Mix works best when background noise isn’t overwhelming.
- Test all modes: Play your video after selecting each mode to hear the differences.
- Use the slider in Cinematic mode: Start at 50%, then adjust up (less noise) or down (more ambiance).
- Avoid covering the microphones: The iPhone 16’s mics are at the top and bottom edges. Don’t block them while filming.
- Combine with other features: For clearer calls, learn how to block spam calls on iPhone in 2025 to reduce interruptions during recordings.
What Audio Mix Can’t Do
While Audio Mix is powerful, it has limits:
- No external mic support: If you plug in a microphone, the Audio Mix option disappears.
- Requires iPhone 16: Older models (e.g., iPhone 15) can’t use this feature.
- Not magic: Extremely loud environments (e.g., concerts) may still have muffled audio.
How Audio Mix Compares to Older iPhones
The iPhone 16’s A18 chip makes Audio Mix possible. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Mix | Yes (4 modes + slider) | No |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | Better autofocus, low-light photos | Blurry in low light |
| Chip | A18 (faster editing) | A16 (slower processing) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: Can I use Audio Mix on older iPhones, like the iPhone 15 or 14?
A: No, Audio Mix is only available on the iPhone 16 series (16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max). Older models don’t have the A18 chip or software needed for this feature.
2. Q: How do I find the Audio Mix option after recording a video?
A: Open your video in the Photos app, tap Edit in the top-right corner, and look for the Audio Mix button (it looks like a soundwave). If you don’t see it, make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18 and that you recorded the video on an iPhone 16.
3. Q: Why does Audio Mix disappear when I plug in an external microphone?
A: Audio Mix works only with the iPhone’s built-in microphones. If you connect an external mic, the feature turns off automatically because it relies on the phone’s own audio sensors.
4. Q: Can I undo Audio Mix edits after saving my video?
A: No—once you tap Done, the changes are permanent. Always duplicate your video (save a copy) before editing if you want to keep the original.
5. Q: Does Audio Mix work with apps like TikTok or YouTube?
A: Yes, but you need to edit the video first in the Photos app. After applying Audio Mix, save the video and upload it to any app. Audio Mix doesn’t work directly inside TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16’s Audio Mix is a powerful tool for making your videos sound crisp and professional. Whether you’re filming a school project, a family vacation, or a fun clip with friends, this feature helps you focus on what matters—clear voices and less background noise.
Just remember: Audio Mix works best with videos you record on your iPhone 16, and it’s super easy to use once you know the steps. Give it a try, experiment with the different modes, and see how it transforms your videos!
I also wrote a blog post about 23 Tips and Tricks for iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Device that I encourage you to read!