TL;DR
Shure has updated its MV88 microphone with a native USB‑C connector, restoring the direct plug‑into‑phone convenience it lost after Apple moved away from Lightning. The compact mic offers selectable polar patterns, orientation adjustment, automatic gain and denoising, app‑based advanced controls, and is listed at $159 on Amazon.
What happened
Shure has released a USB‑C version of its MV88 microphone, replacing the original Lightning plug that once made the model a go‑to accessory for iPhone creators. The company previously offered an MV88+ that used a cable connection after Apple shifted to USB‑C, but that design sacrificed the one‑piece, direct‑plug convenience. The new unit reconnects the mic directly to USB‑C iPhones and retains multi‑mode recording options — stereo, mono cardioid, mono bi‑directional and raw mid‑side — plus a rotatable head that can face forward or toward the user for selfie filming. For users who prefer a simple workflow it provides automatic level adjustment and real‑time denoising; those seeking fine control can use Shure’s MOTIV mobile apps and MOTIV Mix desktop software for presets, EQ, compression, limiter, high‑pass filtering and other tools. The microphone is listed at $159 and is available on Amazon.
Why it matters
- Restores the original MV88’s direct plug‑in convenience for USB‑C iPhones, removing the need for a cableed workaround.
- Offers more reliable on‑camera audio than many built‑in phone microphones, while remaining compact and unobtrusive.
- Auto Level and Real‑time Denoiser aim to simplify good results for creators who don’t want to manage audio settings.
- Provides app‑based advanced controls for users who require studio‑style adjustments on mobile and desktop.
Key facts
- Shure replaced the MV88’s Lightning connector with a USB‑C plug in the new model.
- The MV88 supports four recording modes: stereo, mono cardioid, mono bi‑directional and raw mid‑side.
- The mic head can be oriented straight up or pointed toward the user for selfie‑style shooting.
- Auto Level Mode continuously adjusts gain in real time; Real‑time Denoiser reduces background noise.
- Advanced controls and presets are available through MOTIV Video and MOTIV Audio mobile apps and MOTIV Mix on desktop.
- The MV88 previously appeared as an MV88+ model that relied on a cable connection.
- Shure prices the USB‑C MV88 at $159, and it is available on Amazon.
- The article notes that built‑in iPhone microphones have improved but still fall short of a high‑quality external mic.
What to watch next
- Whether the USB‑C MV88 restores the one‑piece plug‑in convenience lost with the MV88+ (source confirms the connector change).
- How well Auto Level and Real‑time Denoiser perform in diverse, real‑world environments — not confirmed in the source.
- Customer feedback and reviews on Amazon after broader usage — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- USB‑C: A reversible connector standard for data and power used on many modern phones and computers.
- Cardioid: A microphone pickup pattern that captures sound primarily from the front, reducing noise from the sides and rear.
- Mid‑side (MS) recording: A stereo technique that captures a direct center signal (mid) and a side signal, allowing adjustable stereo width in post.
- EQ (Equalization): An audio processing tool that adjusts the balance of frequency bands in a sound signal.
- Limiter: A processor that prevents audio peaks from exceeding a set threshold to avoid distortion.
Reader FAQ
Does the new MV88 plug directly into USB‑C iPhones?
Yes. The updated MV88 replaces the Lightning plug with a USB‑C connector.
How much does the USB‑C MV88 cost?
$159, according to the source.
Can I control the mic settings from my phone or computer?
Yes. Shure’s MOTIV Video and MOTIV Audio mobile apps and MOTIV Mix desktop software provide presets and advanced controls.
Does the MV88 require batteries or external power?
not confirmed in the source
All the new products Apple released in 2025 Chance Miller Dec 31 2025 IPHONE The Shure MV88 (again) plugs right into your iPhone Ben Lovejoy | Jan 5 2026 – 3:57…
Sources
- The Shure MV88 (again) plugs right into your iPhone
- Shure debuts a USB-C version of its MV88 microphone at …
- MV88 – USB-C Stereo Microphone
- Streaming on your mobile phone just became easier with …
Related posts
- WIRED-Tested Best Cat Water Fountains (2025 Guide): Top Picks and Why
- Why the Google Pixel 10 Is the Only Phone I’d Trust to Last Beyond 2030
- Leak: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 reportedly lighter in hand and longer-lasting