iPhone 17 and USB-C: Unlocking Pro Mobile Audio
New iPhones, New Possibilities
Last Tuesday Apple announced the latest generation of iPhones and needless to say its one of the most exciting design shifts in years. Whether its the ridiculously thin and futuristic iPhone air or the new Pro models doing everything possible to stay cool including vaping harder than a Subaru STI driver, it’s no doubt that regardless of your opinion, you took notice.
For us audio nerds, its also notable that even though Apple introduced USB-C to the iPhone 15, to many, this will be their first iPhone rocking USB C. That means not only faster charging but easier integration for Audio Interfaces and all sorts of other devices.
For many of us, the nesting process has already begun for our new phones, including choosing cases and other accessories for the new phone. Of course, it would be pretty daft to neglect audio and interfacing from the conversation. So without any further ado, here’s some of the awesome stuff that adding Apogee gear into the fold can unlock.
Lossless Streaming Demands a Proper DAC
Can you believe Apple Music has been out now for a full decade! For many musicians, not only was the large catalog of music and AAC rather than MP3 a draw, but better royalty payouts for musicians certainly doesn’t hurt the decision either. What most missed over that decade was Apple quietly adding a host of different formats to that huge catalog. Streaming options now include Lossless (ALAC), Hi Res Lossless, Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio.
Want to use Hi Res Lossless audio? Well, the first thing that will pop up is this:
Apogee Groove AE with iPhone 17
In the past, while lightning was the vogue, options were limited. While we had an awesome external DAC in Groove, it was designed so uncompromisingly that it would not work off of the power conserving lightning port, and required external power and adapters to make things work, drastically limiting their portability. With all the new iPhones sporting the new USB-C port, we’re thrilled this means the new Apogee Groove AE can work directly from your phone, no external power needed!
This is huge for those into Hi Fi, as it makes this one of the simplest and best ways to use truly professional headphones with elite digital resolution and a truly brilliant sounding headphone amp and converter. The improvement isn’t theoretical. On good headphones, you’ll hear transient detail, separation, and depth that transform the listening experience. For working engineers, it means that Apple Music can double as a reliable reference source — not just background streaming.
For many upgrading this year, Groove will be the first time their iPhone’s playback genuinely matches their studio standards and properly drives their high impedance monitoring headphones.
Camera Upgrades Deserve Great Audio To Match
No doubt, even your grandparents care about iPhone cameras. Even to laymen, pictures and videos capture life’s most important moments and easily broadcast them out to the world. As such its no surprise that people are freaking out about the new square camera sensor on the front selfie camera. It makes framing shots easier than ever, and especially for those doing Vlogging, makes an easier form of carry that’s adaptable to various formats. So holding the phone vertical and shooting cinematic horizontal video? Yep, it’s finally in the cards.
ClipMic Digital 2 for Vlogging
What’s missing? Its very simple; audio that’s useable in noisy environments. For those shooting video on the front facing camera, a welcome addition is Clipmic Digital 2. The worn setup make it easy as pie to setup and the upgrade is as significant as having the right lens to shoot a situation. Kind of like getting to use the new telephoto lens on the iPhone 17 Pro to shoot action photography from the seats of an arena. The right tool can make all the difference.
Talk to videographers like Clipmic Digital 2 user Jason Koenig and they’ll be quick to tell you that the cardinal sin of many amateur videographers is not planning for capturing audio where it sounds best. People can forgive archival footage, ken burns style photo pans, or even low resolution video as long as the storytelling remains solid, but poorly captured audio begs your viewer to pause their suspended disbelief, hit next button on your video, or swipe away.
While many will likely use the Camera app, Black Magic Camera app or the new Final Cut Camera app to go about vlogging, as production scales to more people, our Metarecorder app can really help. The app is free as your Apogee mic unlocks unlimited recording. It’s a simple yet powerful system that allows you to tag, organize and favorite as you go. It allows up to 4 phones to capture audio from where they sounds best and sync up via wireless timecode if needed. This makes it an easy run and gun strategy for those doing interview, documentary or indie films without a big Hollywood budget and separate audio crew.
Portability Without Compromise
The newly introduced iPhone Air embodies Apple’s philosophy of minimalism and futuristic design. With a large screen but light and thin footprint, it’s a phone positioned to get out of the way yet embrace the latest of modern technology.
Duet 3 with iPhone Air
For those looking for the smallest yet most professional audio interface to accompany it, Duet 3 brings style and function to the party. For those looking to run a dynamic mic as their sound source, USB C can be connected directly between the two and creates a very minimal setup if an Shure SM58 or SM7B is your mic of choice.
For those looking to incorporate condenser mics, the procedure is similar, with just a couple tweaks.You might wonder why Duet 3 has multiple USBC ports, this is one. This extra power in allows the Duet 3 to run phantom power. While many audio interfaces feature USB Class Compliance, Duet 3 take things a step further with a full version of Apogee’s Control 2 software, fully featured, even on iPhone.
The app allows users to go deep, setting up direct monitoring options, putting up safety nets for overs using soft limit, using DSP effects to sweeten sources on the way in and accessing features like phantom power and input type switching right from your phone. If you’re looking for a small thin and light audio interface to help you hook up to more professional mics, grab audio from the mixing board at your gig, or track and mix in Garageband, it’s hard to beat. Just ask our friend Jonathan Morrison as he walks you thru how he uses Duet 3 with his mobile setup.
The Smallest Guitar Rig You’ll Ever Carry?
iPhone Air + Jam X
What if the Duet 3 is still too big and external power is a non starter? You need a rig that can be carried in your pockets. Meet Jam X, small enough to live in your pocket or gig bag. With Jam X’s built-in analog compression, it even feels closer to playing through a live amp.
For working guitarists, it’s not just a practice tool — it’s a reliable way to sketch ideas, rehearse, or record anywhere, without a pedalboard, amp, or laptop.
Pro Meets Pro
Some people want it all, some need it all. Whichever the case may be for those looking to max out their potential, they’re looking for the top of line with the most features and missing out on nothing. Those opting for iPhone 17 Pro Max, may wonder whats the most bonkers audio interface I can use with it?
Symphony Desktop with iPhone 17 Pro Max
Taking the elite conversion from our flagship MKII, and combining it with legendary studio processing staples running on DSP means you have a full mobile studio you can take with you and use anywhere you can find a wall plug. Is it a vulgar display of power? Surely, but no less awesome to behold, whether fueling studio creativity or a live stream.
The Future Of iPhone Audio Is Here
Your new iPhone 17 isn’t just a phone — it’s a creative hub. With Apogee gear, you can match its camera power with world-class audio. Whether you’re streaming, recording, or mixing on the go, the right audio companion ensures your iPhone sounds as amazing as it looks. Happy nesting. Until next time. ✌️
Sincerely,
Apogee Electronics
Your Audio Co-Pilot
