iOS 11.3 breaks some iPhone 7 microphones

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iPhone-7
How’s your iPhone 7 mic after updating to iOS 11.3?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s recent software updates have broken some iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus microphones.

Users report that they cannot be heard during calls since updating to iOS 11.3 or later. Apple has advised Authortized Service Providers that they can initiate repairs if necessary — even on devices that are no longer covered by a warranty.

A growing number of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus users have been taking to online forums and message boards to report issues during calls after updating to iOS 11.3. Other apps and features that require the microphone, including Siri and Voice Memos, have also stopped working.

“Ever since I updated to iOS 11.3 (the day it came out), my mic stopped working,” one user writes on Reddit. “When making phone calls I cannot hear the other person, and they can’t hear me,” writes another on Apple’s official Support Communities forum.

Apple confirms iPhone 7 microphones may be broken

Those who are suffering this problem report that their hardware was functioning normally prior to updating to iOS 11.3. The issue cannot be alleviated by performing a factory reset, or by updating to Apple’s latest iOS 11.3.1 release.

Apple hasn’t confirmed the root cause of this problem, or even acknowledged it publicly. But an internal memo distributed to service providers, obtained by MacRumors, confirms the company is at least aware of it. It doesn’t sound like there’s an easy fix just yet.

Apple is advising service providers to first ask customers to disconnect all Bluetooth headsets and other audio accessories from their iPhone to see if this fixes the issue. If this doesn’t work, service providers can run an audio diagnostics test.

Repairs may be required

If necessary, service providers are authorized to initiate a repair, even on out-of-warranty devices. Apple doesn’t state whether there will be a charge for this, but it’s likely that it will be free, considering it was a software update that caused the issue.

If you’re experiencing this issue on your iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus after updating to iOS 11.3, you’ll need to book an appointment with your local Genius Bar or Apple Authorized Service Provider to get your handset looked at.

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