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§ Software · macOS Voice Isolation

macOS Voice Isolation

AI noise suppression from Apple, built into the operating system on macOS.

Vendor
Apple
Kind
AI
Where in chain
Operating system
Platforms
macOS
Price
Included with macOS (checked 2026-10-18)
Requirements
A Mac from 2018 or later, and an app that supports Mic Modes
Last verified
2026-10-18
§ 01 — Removes

What it removes

  • Background noise around you (Apple says it uses machine learning)
§ 02 — Limits

What it cannot do

  • Only apps that support Mic Modes offer it, and the options vary by app
  • You switch it from the app's icon in the menu bar while that app is using the mic
  • Wide Spectrum does the opposite and lets all the sound in the room through
  • Webex recommends the Standard mic mode on macOS Sonoma so Mic Modes do not clash with its own smart audio
§ 03 — Setup

Where the setting is

In an app that supports Mic Modes, such as FaceTime: click the app's icon in the menu bar (Video in a FaceTime video call) → Mic Mode → Voice Isolation

The noise test hears your mic the way your browser gets it, which may not include macOS Voice Isolation. Run it to see how much noise your mic picks up, so you know how much the filter has to remove.

Run the noise test →
§ 04 — Works with

Works with

  • Messaging 01

    FaceTime

    Apple's audio and video calls on iPhone, iPad and Mac

    Voice Isolation (Mic Mode) 2026-10-18
  • Meetings 02

    Webex

    Cisco's meetings, calling and messaging app for work

    Webex smart audio: Noise removal 2026-10-18

Other apps get it only if they support Mic Modes; Apple says the options vary by app.

§ Sources

Checked against

Apple's own pages, last checked :

  1. support.apple.com · Use Mic Modes on Your Mac
  2. support.apple.com · Change Audio Options for FaceTime Calls on Mac
  3. apple.com · macOS Monterey Introduces Powerful Features to Get More Done
  4. help.webex.com · Webex App: Change Your Audio Settings