Existing users, 
iPhone earpiece, speakerphone too quiet for some users; firmware update possible
Posted 10 July 2007 @ 3pm in Troubleshooting
We’ve been receiving a significant number of reports from users indicating that the iPhone’s earpiece and speakerphone volume are too low, even at the loudest setting. Readers note that compared to most other mobile phones, the iPhone’s sound output — for voice functions, at least — is subpar.
iPhone Atlas reader Sharon, for example, writes:
“I have found the volume on the iPhone to be very low, even when turned up to the highest setting; it is also low using the headset for calls. It seems fine when listening to music.”
Users have also lamented low volume for the iPhone’s ringer, which can be controlled using the Sounds pane of Settings.
An odd factor in this issue is that volume when playing music using the iPod function through the built-in speakers or headset is significantly louder than when using phone-based functions (including the speakerphone).
Another oddity is that some users have reported differences between individual iPhone units, with some being louder than others. In house, all of our iPhones generate similarly quiet sound output.
Apple may issue a firmware update to boost the iPhone’s earpiece and speakerphone volume as it has done for some Mac portables through Mac OS X updates. As aforementioned, the iPhone does have the capability to generate louder output when in iPod mode, so a simple software tweak could very well boost earpiece/speakerphone volume.
Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.
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2 Comments
Posted by Alderete
10 July 2007 @ 11pm
Hmmm. I’ve read this elsewhere also, like the Ars Technica review. My iPhone is quite loud when ringing. I dunno that I would hear it “in a crowded bar” like the Ars folks complained about, but then I would be unlikely to hear *any* phone ringing in a crowded bar. I will certainly (and have) hear the phone when it rings in another room of my house, and I keep the ring volume at the mid-point on the volume slider. Even when it’s in the dock I hear it quite well!
Posted by campingstick
17 September 2007 @ 7am
I can confirm that some iPhones are louder than others. My phone’s loudest setting is significantly quieter than a co-worker’s. (I just got mine this weekend) We compared the stock ring tones side by side and his was nearly twice as loud. I can hardly hear mine ring when it is in my pocket, and have missed calls and messages because of it.
A software restore made no difference. Will have to see if Apple will replace or fix.