According to reports, Apple plans to release an improved version of Siri with AI integration around 2024, which could have repercussions for hardware design. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the future iPhone 16, which is likely to be released in the autumn of 2024, would have vastly improved microphones. 

These enhanced microphones are designed to improve Siri and dictation voice recognition by providing clearer audio with greater noise suppression. According to Kuo, the new mics would also be more water-resistant.

Kuo claims that the improved mics, made by AAC and Goertek, will be more expensive than those found in the iPhone 15. The advancements are not limited to AI; they may also result in improved audio quality in videos, voice calls, and other applications.

The iPhone 16 series is expected to be released in September 2024, with slightly larger displays, improved cameras, and under-display Face ID sensors, resulting in a smaller 'Dynamic Island' cutout on Pro models.

Furthermore, Apple is said to be aiming to replace the action button on the iPhone 16 series with a solid-state button. The new capacitive Action Button will allegedly be able to sense "changes in pressure" by utilizing a new force sensor that is currently under development. To confirm actions, the action button now uses a press-and-hold motion, complemented by haptic feedback and visual signals in the Dynamic Island.

According to prior rumors, the speculated capacitive Action button will be included on all four iPhone 16 models – the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.