Apple aware of select iPhone 7 models experiencing disabled mics

If you're an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus user that's noticed the phone's microphone has stopped working properly, you're not alone. It turns out that certain models of the iPhone 7 have begun experiencing a mic bug after updating to iOS 11.3 or later. The issue doesn't appear to be too widespread at the moment, but with the result being a nonfunctional microphone it makes things like calls and FaceTime pretty difficult.

The good news is that Apple appears to be aware of the issue, but the bad news is that iPhone 7s affected by the issue will need to be taken in for servicing. The small number of users experiencing microphone problems say that the phone's speaker button appears grayed-out during calls, while some also note that they can't use Siri. Currently this issue is limited to iOS 11.3 or later.

While Apple hasn't publicly commented on the bug, MacRumors obtained an internal document that was given to Apple Authorized Service Providers this week on how to proceed. Support workers are instructed to ask customers to disconnect or turn off any Bluetooth accessories, and if that doesn't work they should run audio diagnostics. If they then see a "device could not detect dock" or "accessory not supported" alert, they can proceed with iPhone repairs.

If the affected iPhone 7 is no longer under warranty, Apple tells service providers they will be granted an exception, while Genius Bar staff at Apple retail stores will perform repairs without hesitation. Unfortunately there's word on the exact cause of the bug, such as if it's a hardware or software issue, and it's also unclear if there will be any fees for repairs.

SOURCE MacRumors