How to Use Audio Mix for iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max

Have you ever recorded a video on your phone, but it’s hard to hear your voice over wind, traffic, or people talking nearby? Apple’s new Audio Mix feature for the iPhone 16 series (including iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max) can fix that!

This guide will show you how to use Audio Mix to make your videos sound amazing—even if you’re filming in noisy places.

What Is Audio Mix?

Audio Mix is a new iPhone 16 feature that lets you edit the sound in your videos after recording. It uses the iPhone’s powerful A18 chip and smart technology to separate voices from background noise. Think of it like magic headphones for your videos—it can highlight what you want people to hear (like your voice) and quiet down distracting sounds (like barking dogs or loud crowds).

Key Benefits:

• Make voices sound clearer.
• Reduce unwanted background noise.
• Choose from four sound styles: Standard, In-Frame, Studio, and Cinematic.

How to Use Audio Mix (Step-by-Step)

Before You Start:

• You need an iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, or 16 Pro Max with iOS 18 (or newer).
• Audio Mix only works on videos you record with your iPhone 16. It won’t work on videos downloaded from the internet or older phones.

Step 1: Record a Video
Open the Camera app, switch to video mode, and press the red record button.

Step 2: Open the Video in Photos

1. Go to your Photos app.
2. Find the video you just recorded and tap to open it.

Step 3: Edit the Audio

1. Tap “Edit” in the top-right corner.
2. Look for the “Audio Mix” button (it has a soundwave icon). Tap it.

Step 4: Choose Your Audio Mode
You’ll see four options. Let’s break them down:

Audio Mix Modes Explained

1. Standard Mode

• What it does: Plays the original sound with no changes.
• Best for: Quick checks to compare before/after editing.

2. In-Frame Mode

• What it does: Focuses on voices of people visible in the video and mutes noises off-camera (like someone talking behind you).
• Example: If you’re vlogging in a park, In-Frame will ignore kids playing outside the video frame.

3. Studio Mode

• What it does: Makes voices sound crisp, like you’re recording in a professional studio. Even if you’re across the room, your voice will sound clear.
• Tip: Great for tutorials, podcasts, or Zoom-style videos.

4. Cinematic Mode

• What it does: Balances your voice with background sounds (like waves or city noise) to feel like a movie.
• Adjust the slider: Slide left to hear more ambiance (50% is default). Slide right to reduce background noise.

Pro Tips for Better Results

1. Test Different Modes: Film a short clip and try all four modes to see which fits your scene.
2. Use the Slider: In Cinematic or Studio mode, adjust the slider to fine-tune noise levels.
3. Avoid Super Noisy Areas: Audio Mix works best in moderate noise (e.g., a busy café). It might struggle in very loud places (e.g., concerts).
4. Speak Clearly: The feature focuses on human voices, so face the camera and talk naturally.

What Audio Mix Can’t Do

Even cool tools have limits! Here’s what to know:

• Doesn’t work with external mics: If you plug in a microphone, Audio Mix options disappear.
• iPhone 16 only: Older iPhones (like iPhone 15 or 14) can’t use this feature.
• No edits after saving: Once you tap “Done,” you can’t undo Audio Mix changes. Save a copy first!

Why iPhone 16’s Audio Mix Is a Game-Changer

1. No Extra Gear Needed: You don’t need fancy microphones or apps—everything is built-in.
2. A18 Chip Power: The iPhone 16’s fast processor handles heavy editing without slowing down.
3. Better Camera + Audio Combo: The improved ultra-wide camera (with autofocus) pairs perfectly with Audio Mix for pro-level videos.

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!