The iPhone has two speaker grills at the bottom of the device. However, only the right grill actually contains a speaker. The left grill is actually a microphone. This has been the case for all iPhone models since the iPhone 7.
Why is there only one speaker on the bottom of the iPhone?
There are a few reasons why Apple chose to have only one speaker on the bottom of the iPhone. One reason is to save space. The iPhone is a relatively thin device, and there is limited space inside. By having only one speaker, Apple was able to free up space for other components, such as the battery and the processor.
Another reason for having only one speaker is to improve water resistance. The iPhone has a water resistance rating of IP68, which means that it can be submerged in water up to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. By having only one speaker, Apple was able to better seal the device and improve its water resistance.
Finally, having only one speaker allows Apple to create a stereo sound effect. This is done by using the earpiece speaker as the second speaker. When the iPhone is in landscape mode, the earpiece speaker plays the left channel and the bottom speaker plays the right channel. This creates a more immersive sound experience for the user.
How to test both speakers on your iPhone
If you are unsure whether both speakers on your iPhone are working, there are a few things you can do to test them.
One way to test the speakers is to play a song or video. If you hear sound coming from both the earpiece speaker and the bottom speaker, then both speakers are working properly.
Another way to test the speakers is to use the Voice Memos app. Open the Voice Memos app and tap the red record button. Speak into the microphone and then tap the red button again to stop recording. Play back the recording and listen for your voice. If you can hear your voice clearly, then the microphone is working properly.
Troubleshooting
If you are having problems with one or both of the speakers on your iPhone, there are a few things you can try.
First, make sure that the speaker grills are not blocked. If the speaker grills are blocked, then sound will not be able to escape. Try cleaning the speaker grills with a soft brush.
If the speaker grills are not blocked and you are still having problems, try restarting your iPhone. A restart can often fix minor software glitches.
If restarting your iPhone does not fix the problem, then you may need to reset your iPhone to factory settings. This will erase all of your data and settings, so be sure to back up your iPhone before doing this.
If you have tried all of the above and the speakers are still not working, then you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
To answer the question in the title, no, sound is not supposed to come out of both iPhone speakers. Only the right speaker on the bottom of the device actually contains a speaker. The left grill is actually a microphone.
If you are having problems with one or both of the speakers on your iPhone, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, then you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
