This is not surprising, unfortunately the Smartphone is not a device you can remove/disable the microphone without harming basic functionality (how are you going to make calls otherwise).
This is not exclusive to Apple either, the majorly of companies worldwide do this if given the chance, is why Hardware switches (to turn OFF the Microphones and Cameras) are a must.
Another unfortunate fact, is the lack of TVs without the Smart nonsense, it forced me to torn down TVs to remove the Microphone funcionality directly through the Hardware.
[B]@Stopspying You're confusing privacy with security.[/B]