iPhone 14 Pro: External USB mic not available in AVAudioSession for call apps, but works in Voice Memos & Instagram Live

Question

Created 1d

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I’m facing a strange audio routing issue that seems specific to iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max.

I’m using LiveKit (WebRTC) in a React Native app, which uses AVAudioSession internally for audio capture (VoIP / call-style usage).

🔍 What’s happening:

I’m using an external USB microphone.

On these devices:

iPhone 11 → ✅ USB mic works

iPhone 13 → ✅ USB mic works

iPhone 17 Pro → ✅ USB mic works

iPhone 14 Pro Max → ❌ USB mic does NOT work

On iPhone 14 Pro Max:

The same USB mic:

✅ Works in Voice Memos

✅ Works in Instagram Live

❌ Does NOT appear as an input option in my app

❌ Does NOT work in WhatsApp / Instagram calls

Also:

In my app on iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS does not show the audio input selector UI

On iPhone 17 Pro, the same app and same build does show the selector and the USB mic works

⚙️ My audio session config ( LiveKit ):

await AudioSession.setAppleAudioConfiguration({
  audioCategory: 'playAndRecord',
  audioMode: 'default',
  audioCategoryOptions: ['allowBluetooth', 'defaultToSpeaker'],
});
await AudioSession.startAudioSession();

❓ My questions:

Is this a known limitation or behavior specific to iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max?
Does iPhone 14 Pro have different audio routing rules for call / VoIP mode compared to other devices?
Why does the same USB mic work in recording apps (Voice Memos, Instagram Live) but not in call-style apps (LiveKit, WhatsApp, Instagram call)?
Is there any documented difference in AVAudioSession behavior on iPhone 14 Pro regarding external USB audio inputs?

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Answer 1

DTS Engineer OP

Apple

1d

Thanks for the post, I am not familiar with the third party React Native.

You should check with the support resources provided by the 3rd party to get assistance with their software.

Unless another developer in the forums has experience with the third-party and can provide assistance.

The USB mic should work on that device the same way it works for other devices. Additionally, I suggest contacting React Native support to inquire if they have encountered similar issues.

Good luck.

Albert Pascual   Worldwide Developer Relations.

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