iOS 26 expands audio mix feature for iPhone 16

Apple’s iOS 26 update brings exciting changes for iPhone 16 users, letting them use the Audio Mix feature beyond just the Photos app. This tool, available on all iPhone 16 models, allows you to tweak video sound after recording. For example, you can lower background noise to make voices clearer. Now, with iOS 26, third-party apps can also use this feature, making it easier to create polished videos across different platforms.

One cool option, called Cinematic mode, puts voices in the front audio track while keeping background sounds in surround, like in a movie. To use Audio Mix, videos must be recorded with Spatial Audio, which is automatically on for iPhone 16 video recordings. You can check or change this in the Settings app under Camera > Record Sound.

Apple is also bringing Audio Mix controls to third-party Mac apps with the macOS Tahoe update. Plus, audio-only apps like Voice Memos can now save files in the QuickTime audio (QTA) format. This format supports multiple audio tracks, similar to Spatial Audio files, giving users more flexibility. These updates were shared during Apple’s WWDC 2025 session, highlighting how iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe make audio editing simpler and more powerful for everyone.