What is the purpose of the small hole next to the iPhone camera?

Many iPhone users may be familiar with the small hole next to the rear camera module, but few truly understand its purpose.

A tiny black dot on the iPhone camera. Photo: SlashGear .

Compared to the first iPhone launched in 2007, Apple's latest iPhone models have shown remarkable progress in this smartphone line. However, overall, the evolution of the iPhone has mainly focused on minor upgrades aimed at enhancing the user experience.

The camera system on the iPhone also shows a similar trend. Six years since the iPhone 11 series, Apple has remained steadfast with the familiar triangular design of three cameras. Even on the latest iPhone 16 Pro, Apple maintains this design, only improving the hardware and refining image processing capabilities.

Within the triple-lens array (depending on the model), along with the LED flash and LiDAR sensor (on Pro models), users can easily notice a tiny hole located nearby. Notably, this small hole has been present on iPhones since the iPhone 5.

This hole is actually a microphone, and it's just one of four microphones equipped on the device. Specifically, the microphone on the back plays a crucial role in capturing more effective directional sound when shooting video , helping to improve the audio quality of videos shot with an iPhone.

This small hole has appeared on iPhones since the iPhone 5 series. Photo: SlashGear.

To perform the recording function, every smartphone needs a microphone, and in fact, most modern devices are equipped with more than one. Apple, in particular, has integrated four microphones in different locations into its flagship iPhone models since the iPhone XS.

Specifically, two microphones are positioned at the bottom of the device, near the speaker grille, playing a key role in phone calls due to their convenient location near the user's mouth. Additionally, another microphone is located directly above the front camera, and a fourth auxiliary microphone is on the back, as mentioned. This diverse microphone placement helps the iPhone optimize its sound recording capabilities in various situations.

Beyond its basic microphone function, the small hole also plays a crucial role in eliminating ambient noise during conversations. Thanks to a combination of noise frequency detection software and special algorithms, the iPhone can suppress interfering sounds, allowing users to communicate more clearly even in noisy environments.

Furthermore, the small hole on the back of the iPhone also helps filter out noise from user commands when activating the Siri virtual assistant.

With the iPhone 16 series, Apple officially introduced a completely new "studio-quality microphone system." This technology allows users to record Spatial Audio—a more vivid, multi-dimensional recording method that delivers a realistic and immersive experience.

This advanced microphone system also includes Audio Mix functionality, allowing users to flexibly adjust multiple audio sources within a single recording. Combined with the already excellent noise reduction capabilities of the iPhone, users can confidently shoot semi-professional videos without relying on external microphones.

Source: https://znews.vn/lo-nho-canh-camera-iphone-co-tac-dung-gi-post1566714.html