Apple has filed an patent that would auto-adjust the volume of the iPhone or MacBook speakers based on the levels of ambient noise. Citing the problems with having to constantly adjust the volume of a cellphone's ringer or a notebook's speakers to adapt to noisier or quieter environments, Apple suggests that a sound sensor like a mic can be used to determine the ambient noise level on startup or over time and change the base volume to be audible based on nearby conditions.

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