iPhone X with Apple Leather Folio Mic Issues

Also have the same issue with my new X.

Took it back to apple and they even replaced the phone but said nothing about the Folio case being the issue.

So many phone calls where the other end complained about my audio. Will start to experiment with new cases that don't cover the back side when opened.

I have since returned my Otterbox Strada folio case with a magnetic cover, for an all leather vertical flip cover. No problems taking calls, even with the vertical flip cover, turned right back. This proves to me that the problem is the magnet built into the cover, and caused by a change in the spec of the iPhone X, which has not recognised the impact of magnets on case covers, even their own expensive case!

billbir wrote:

This proves to me that the problem is the magnet built into the cover, and caused by a change in the spec of the iPhone X, which has not recognised the impact of magnets on case covers, even their own expensive case!

Really? Then why did a lot of people in this thread post that they have the problem using cases that don't have magnets? And some that don't have the problem using a case with a magnet but with an opening that exposes the mic.

It is not the magnet. There is nothing in the phone that would be affected by a magnet except the compass.

I can only go on my experience and the tests that I have carried out. i thought that those involved with this discussion, would be interested, in my findings. They are a layman’s view and I look forward to reading the definitive explanation. Perhaps, you have it and I have missed it.

I think there is a problem with the noise cancelling algorithms. I have experimented with noise cancelling, and when you take a lower volume copy of your voice and use it as the noise profile, in an app like Audacity, you get somewhat the same effect as when talking in the phone. I do hope Apple engieneers would do something to remedy this problem.

Since this does clearly happen with all folio cases, not just the one by Apple, the problem is within the phone, not the case.

By the way, please file a radar on this matter, and leave a link to this thread as well in it. Ive heard Apple engieneers say, if there is no radar, there is no issue.

A couple of hypotheses have been proposed in the thread; if you are interest you should read it. The one that seems the most likely to me is that the case, when folded back, channels your voice to the noise cancellation mic, so the algorithm thinks your voice is noise and cancels it.

A couple of users reported that keeping their finger between the case and the back of the phone eliminated the problem. This problem has been reported with other phones (7s & 8s) over the past year; there are several threads relating to it. And the consensus in all of those threads is that it is the flap covering the mic that causes the problem.

Addendum: One thing you can try is to hold a magnet against the back of the phone while on a call. That should provide valuable additional information.

GJNilsen wrote:

I think there is a problem with the noise cancelling algorithms. I have experimented with noise cancelling, and when you take a lower volume copy of your voice and use it as the noise profile, in an app like Audacity, you get somewhat the same effect as when talking in the phone. I do hope Apple engieneers would do something to remedy this problem.

Since this does clearly happen with all folio cases, not just the one by Apple, the problem is within the phone, not the case.

By the way, please file a radar on this matter, and leave a link to this thread as well in it. Ive heard Apple engieneers say, if there is no radar, there is no issue.

I agree, and there was an earlier post that suggested that with the flap folded back the gap between the flap and the mic channeled your voice to the noise canceling mic. That is consistent with your hypothesis. But it isn't the algorithm, because without a case there is no problem. And I also saw a post that said if you hold the flap tightly against the back there is no problem either. I will ask the hosts to pass the problem on, although if a number of cases are being returned Apple's inventory management system will notice.

But:

”Embedded at the bottom of the front flap is a magnet that is used to sleep and wake the iPhone X display.” (9to5mac)

and the microphone on the iphone X which causes the problem (if the findings in this thread are right), is at the top.

On the other hand, some reported that deactivating the noise cancelling function of this microphone in “settings” does not help either.

It would be interesting to know if it solves the problem to punch a hole in the front cover where it will cover the camera with the microphone when folded back.

I have the same issue with my 7 Plus. Currently talking to Apple support about the matter.

I have a similar style case to yours (otterbox) which has a magnetic clasp to secure case closed. I’m constantly getting people tell me they can’t hear me or my speech sounds muffled and broken. I did think this is linked to how I fold the front of the case around the back when I talk. I think it’s something to do with the rear mic however I thought this mic was only used in video audio and noise cancellation?

It drives me nuts I think Apple should address this issue, they have yet to acknowledge the problem.

Thinking the issue was linked to noise cancellation I turned this feature off in settings. It made no difference at all I still had issues with call quality. I do however think the issue is linked to the iPhone case style ie wallet case with magnetic clasp closure. That and when the front of the case is folded to the rear when talking. So I think the rear mic is the source of the issue.

YES, it is the case. NO, it has nothing to do with the magnet. It is the flap of the case covering the rear microphone. It isn't just the Apple case; it is any folio case whether it has a magnet or not. You probably haven't read the entire thread, but others have fixed it by either not folding the flap all the way back, or holding it with a finger between the flap and the back of the phone, or by punching a hole in the flap where it covers the rear microphone.

I have a IPhone 7 and a Safe Sleeves Wallet case. My phone constantly went on Mute, the Slide to Power Off Button stopped working, and the letters D and X wouldn’t type. I truly believe something in the case was effectively the hardware of the phone.

i just received a new IPhone 7 from Apple. Using the same case, I now have Call Failures. Verizon ran analytics on the phone and all is good. Again I believe it’s the case. Anyone else having a problem with and Wallet cases?

Hey Simon,

Ditto, check the thread (in the "using iPhone" community): "iPhone X, phone calls and Apple's Folio Case"

Regards,

Muggins

Have you tried the compass with the Strada case? I returned the Strada case because the strong magnet affected the compass. Not possible to find North with “compass” and with “maps”.

Oh dear.....bit of an own goal there Apple. Not entirely satisfactory if you ask me (which they won't). Why sell a case that isn't fit for purpose?