CNET’s mention of “a rare glimpse within Apple’s hidden iPhone 16 camera labs” might be an exaggeration, as these labs aren’t particularly secret — we’ve had a few glimpses of them in the past.
Nevertheless, the article offers a fascinating insight into the testing methodologies employed in the development of the latest iPhone models …
We first encountered Apple’s anechoic chamber in 2018 when it was showcased to The Loop, and just a couple of months ago, Apple released additional images in a news update about AirPods.
CNET was granted a look at the various techniques Apple uses to evaluate the microphones responsible for capturing sound in iPhone videos, particularly focusing on the iPhone 16.
A configuration of approximately two dozen speakers is arranged on a curved pipe that extends from beneath the wire mesh floor to the chamber’s ceiling. These speakers emit a sequence of chimes, and engineers evaluate the sound captured by the iPhone 16 Pro’s microphones. The phone, positioned on a rotatable stand, turns slightly clockwise before the chimes sound again. This process repeats until the iPhone has completed a full rotation.
The result is a comprehensive sound profile for each microphone derived from the data collected in the anechoic chamber. Apple utilizes these profiles as the basis for spatial audio and other technologies designed to minimize wind noise or create recording experiences similar to various types of microphones, such as lavalier or studio microphones for voiceovers.
“We aim to enable that [Audio Mix] feature to sound as if it has been recorded on a lapel mic,” Dave explained. “We leverage machine learning algorithms alongside our tuning processes to craft the distinctive sound signature you can achieve even with lapel mics.”
Interestingly, while the primary evaluation comes from the discerning ear of Apple’s acoustics lead, Ruchir Dave, they also involve regular iPhone users in the testing process.
Rather than relying solely on one skilled listener to fine-tune the iPhone’s audio, Apple conducts perceptual audio tests with multiple testers. The results from these sessions inform the calibration of playback audio on the iPhone. I had the opportunity to be one of these testers during my visit and participated in part of the experience […]
Apple’s comparative testing mirrors the approach of an eye doctor who has you choose between two different lenses during an eye exam. Without something to reference, it becomes challenging to judge a recording. The feedback from the perceptual testing influences how various aspects of the iPhone 16 Pro’s audio performance, including Audio Mix, are developed.
For testing video quality, Apple has what it refers to as a video verification lab — a facility designed to ensure that the final product maintains its visual appeal across diverse real-world viewing scenarios.
“We use this theater to optimize video playback so that whether you’re watching these videos in a dark room, an office setting, or even outdoors, you experience the same quality as you would in a cinema,” stated Sean Yang, director of video engineering at Apple.
The entire article may not divulge any trade secrets, but it certainly provides an intriguing glimpse into the meticulous efforts Apple undertakes to perfect even the smallest details.
Photo: Apple
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