Apple is adding a new Messages setting in iOS 27 that lets iPhone users remove the microphone and audio recording icons from the text input field, eliminating one of the more persistent accidental-tap problems in the app.
The setting is buried inside the Messages section of the Settings app, under a new option called Show in Text Field.
From there, you can choose to display the audio waveform icon for voice messages, the microphone icon for dictation, or nothing at all. Choosing None clears the input field of both icons entirely.
The dictation and voice message icons sit immediately adjacent to the send button in Messages. A slightly off-center tap after sending a text lands on one of those icons instead, which can trigger the microphone and pause any music playing in the background.
What Changes After You Turn It Off
Hiding the icons does not permanently disable either feature. Voice messages are still accessible through the plus button on the left side of the input field. Dictation remains available through the microphone key on the iOS keyboard.
You can still use both features even if they no longer sit directly in the text box. Apple is just removing their standalone icons to declutter the interface.
If the microphone key is missing from your keyboard, you can re-enable it by going to Settings, then General, then Keyboard, and switching on Enable Dictation.
How to Find the Setting Now
The option is available in the current iOS 27 beta. Open Settings, scroll down to Apps, tap Messages, then tap Show in Text Field.
Select “Record Audio”, “Start Dictation”, or “None” depending on what you want to see in the input field going forward.
iOS 27 is expected to roll out publicly in September 2026. The setting will be available on both iPhone and iPad when the update ships.
