iOS 26 introduces significant audio capabilities that transform how apps handle input device selection, high-quality recording, and spatial audio processing. These enhancements provide unprecedented control over audio workflows for content creators and developers alike.
Input Route Selection: Native Device Management
Key Features
- In-app device switching without navigating to System Settings
- Live sound level metering for connected devices
- Microphone mode selection view for supported device modes
- Persistent device selection across app sessions
Implementation Approach
import AVKit
class AppViewController: UIViewController {
// Configure AudioSession before using input picker
private let inputPickerInteraction = AVInputPickerInteraction()
@IBOutlet weak var selectMicButton: UIButton!
override func viewDidLoad() {
super.viewDidLoad()
// Set delegate after configuring audio session
inputPickerInteraction.delegate = self
// Add interaction to button
selectMicButton.addInteraction(inputPickerInteraction)
}
@IBAction func handleSelectMicButton(_ sender: UIButton) {
inputPickerInteraction.present()
}
}
extension AppViewController: AVInputPickerInteractionDelegate {
// Implement delegate methods as needed
}
Technical Benefits
- Seamless user experience with native UI components
- Real-time audio monitoring during device selection
- Automatic device persistence between app launches
AirPods High-Quality Recording: Professional Audio Capture
Enhanced Capabilities
- High sample rate Bluetooth option for audio capture apps
- Content creator media tuning balancing voice and background sounds
- LAV microphone-quality performance through optimized Bluetooth link
- Built-in stem controls for recording start/stop functionality
Configuration Options
// AVAudioSession implementation
AVAudioSessionCategoryOptions.bluetoothHighQualityRecording
// AVCaptureSession implementation
session.configuresApplicationAudioSessionForBluetoothHighQualityRecording = true
Implementation Strategy
- Minimal code changes required for existing audio apps
- Automatic fallback to BluetoothHFP when high-quality unavailable
- System-level integration with audio input menu
Spatial Audio Capture: Immersive Recording Technology
Technical Foundation
- Microphone array utilization for 3D scene capture
- Ambisonics transformation using spherical harmonics
- First Order Ambisonics (FOA) with 4 harmonic components
- Omni and dipole components in X, Y, Z directions
File Format Structure
- Dual audio tracks: Stereo (AAC) + Spatial (APAC/PCM)
- Compatibility layer for non-spatial audio devices
- Metadata track containing playback tuning parameters
- QuickTime Audio (.qta) format support for audio-only apps
AVAssetWriter Implementation Requirements
- Two AudioDataOutput instances: FOA (4-channel) + Stereo (2-channel)
-
Channel layout configuration via
spatialAudioChannelLayoutTag -
Metadata generation using
AVCaptureSpatialAudioMetadataSampleGenerator - Simultaneous operation with MovieFileOutput for real-time processing
Advanced Integration Features
- Real-time audio visualization during recording
- Live effects processing with sample buffer access
- Cinematic video compatibility for comprehensive media capture
Audio Mix: Intelligent Sound Separation
Core Functionality
- Foreground/background separation with speech isolation
- Multiple rendering styles: Cinematic, Studio, In-Frame
- Six additional modes including isolated speech/ambience stems
- Real-time balance control with intensity parameters
AVPlayer Integration
import Cinematic
class AudioMixController {
// Audio Mix parameters for real-time control
private var intensity: Float = 0.5 // Range: 0.0 to 1.0
private var style: CNSpatialAudioRenderingStyle = .cinematic
func applyAudioMix(to playerItem: AVPlayerItem, with asset: AVAsset) async throws {
// Initialize CNAssetSpatialAudioInfo asynchronously
let audioInfo = try await CNAssetSpatialAudioInfo(asset: asset)
// Create AVAudioMix with current parameters
let audioMix = audioInfo.audioMix(effectIntensity: intensity,
renderingStyle: style)
// Apply to player item
playerItem.audioMix = audioMix
}
func updateIntensity(_ newIntensity: Float) {
intensity = max(0.0, min(1.0, newIntensity))
}
func updateStyle(_ newStyle: CNSpatialAudioRenderingStyle) {
style = newStyle
}
}
AUAudioMix: Advanced Processing Control
Architecture Components
- 4-channel FOA input processing
- Speech/ambience separation engine
- AUSpatialMixer integration for flexible output options
- Configurable spatialization with multiple channel layouts
Essential Parameters
- RemixAmount: Controls separation intensity
- Style: Defines processing characteristics
- EnableSpatialization: Toggles spatial mixer functionality
- SpatialMixerOutputType: Headphones/speakers optimization
Metadata Extraction
import Cinematic
func extractSpatialAudioMetadata(from asset: AVAsset) async throws -> Data? {
// Initialize spatial audio info for the asset
let audioInfo = try await CNAssetSpatialAudioInfo(asset: asset)
// Extract remix metadata for AUAudioMix configuration
guard let metadataData = audioInfo.spatialAudioMixMetadata else {
throw AudioMixError.noMetadataFound
}
return metadataData
}
enum AudioMixError: Error {
case noMetadataFound
}
Conclusion
iOS 26 audio enhancements provide comprehensive tools for professional audio capture and processing. The integration of native input selection, high-quality AirPods recording, sophisticated spatial audio capture, and intelligent audio mixing can be used by devs.
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AirPods High-Quality Recording possible in iOS 26