iPhone X, phone calls and Apple's Folio Case

I have an iPhone X with Apple's Folio Case, Great, right?



But ... when I made (or received) 'phone calls, people couldn't hear me properly - I was 'muffled'.



I tried voice memos. It worked.



I tried calling my own land line (with answering machine). Horrible, muffled.



The problem? I was folding the 'flip lid' all the way back so it was against the back of the 'phone. It seems the rear mic is relied upon and doesn't like being covered up. That's a concern for me as I reaaly wanted to have a firm grip on my 'phone. The only way it's going to work right now is to have the flap against my face. That's not the main concern (get a _good_ grip on an expensive device!).



The folded flap works just fine with "Voice Memos".



This is a SW issue. Yes, I disabled Accessibly "Noise Reduction" to see if it works.



This transcends the origami iPad case, where the inside rests on (e.g.) a mucky table. Then, it folds back up against the iPad's glass.



Well done. Could someone please look @ this?


Thaknyou,


Muggers

iOS 11.1

Posted on Nov 8, 2017 2:12 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 23, 2017 1:19 PM

The rear mic is used for noise reduction. If it is covered it will cause the symptoms you are describing, as has been reported by users of other models that have the noise reduction feature. It really isn't a software issue, as there is no software fix for covering a microphone. It doesn't happen with dictation or voice memo apps because they don't use noise reduction. If you turn off noise reduction in Settings/General/Accessibility the problem should go away. Or get a different case.

67 replies

Dec 21, 2017 2:16 PM in response to PaddyFH

I share your disappointment with this case not working. I believe the difference between the iPhone X and the earlier iphones has to do with the microphone placed near the camera lenses for noise cancellation. The cover flap interferes when folded back blocking the mic during a call. This seems to apply to ALL folio type cases.


Apple dropped the ball on this one it seems. So far they haven't owned up to it. There are a lot of very nice competitive products out there (for a lot less money) who are probably unhappy as well. Not sure if there is a technical solution other than shutting down the rear mic when making a phone call.


David

Jan 16, 2018 3:42 AM in response to MugWup

I also wanted to make it very clear that the issue occurs with any folio style case. I have two non-Apple branded cases that I continue to experience this issue.m regardless of what version of iOS that I have installed on my phone. M


My folio style case inventory consists of:


1. Tech21 Evo Wallet

2. iPhone X Case Clear View Window Stand Mirror Flip Folio Ultra Slim


Unless case manufacturers make a change or Apple changes the phone design, this issue will never be resolved.

Dec 6, 2017 10:46 PM in response to MugWup

I have the same problem. Everyone I have spoken to when the case was in place has complained about muffled sound. Most annoying. Have returned the case for credit and reverted to the standard silicon case. Pity as the case was very nice. I regard this as an unforgivable fail by Apple. How could this have got past their testing? Can’t believe that they are still offering it for sale.

Dec 7, 2017 7:03 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Hello,

As I mentioned before... For me since I did the update to 11.2 I haven’t had any issues. Prior to update it happened every time. Now it’s never. Anybody else do the update and have success? For those that say it’s not a software glitch/update...I can’t imagine Apple would not have found covering the sound cancelling mic in testing muffled phone calls. Maybe a a glitch in the software.

Dec 6, 2017 6:39 AM in response to kennygair

Well there is some speculation that the magnets or their position in the case could be interfering with the microphone. Still a design flaw which probably should have been found by Apple.


I was just trying to find if another folio type case without the magnets in that position had the problem. franch77 seemed to feel that way initially so wondered if that was still the case.


David

Jan 12, 2018 11:43 AM in response to MugWup

I have the same problem with the Apple leather folio on iPhone X under IOS 11.2.2

Whenever the lid is flipped at the back of the iPhone to have a decent grip, the person on the line cannot understand what I am saying... Removing the phone from the leather folio clears the problem. It might be a problem with the lid magnet interfering with the microphone... How long will it take to Apple to recall the leather folio or find a decent quick fix ? Also not to mention the rude attitude and sometime incompetency of the Apple Store team... Very disappointed Apple user (since 1990 - Macintosh Classic)

Nov 8, 2017 2:26 AM in response to MugWup

Hi MugWup,


This could even be something as simple as the case interfering with or obstructing the iPhone's antenna. If this is the case, there is no workaround. If your case is new, and you still have the original packaging, you may be entitled to a refund given that you're not receiving the satisfaction that you expected from the product.


To enquire about a refund, or possible solutions for your particular case, you'll need to contact Apple Support.


There are 2 ways of contacting Apple Support:


Contacting AppleCare

If you're happy to speak to a technician over the phone to try and resolve your issue at home, you may use AppleCare to do so. If you'd like to get in touch with someone from AppleCare, simply go to getsupport.apple.com to get a callback from AppleCare.


Making a reservation

If you'd like to skip contacting AppleCare, you can create a reservation for your nearest Apple Store using the Apple Support App on your iPhone. Simply download the app, sign in with your Apple ID and follow the on-screen prompts to create a reservation.


If you do end up seeking a replacement, this is the kind of feedback that Apple would love to collect! You can provide product feedback over at apple.com/feedback.


If you have any further questions, queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to reply to the thread as I'm following it.


Best of luck!

Nov 9, 2017 6:24 PM in response to MugWup

And what seems to be the clincher (not antenna-gate), I tried to make a phone call with a sheet of paper against the rear of the iPhone X.


To borrow from Lewis Carroll:


" ... and muttered mumblingly and low, as if his mouth were full of dough. Who snorted like a buffalo... That Summer evening long ago, A-sitting on a [not antenna] gate."


Woof!

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iPhone X, phone calls and Apple's Folio Case

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