When Apple previews the next version of iOS at WWDC, we expect to see all the new features that will improve the iPhone. However, it is not guaranteed that the company will take this opportunity to also update its popular wireless earbuds. But, along with the arrival of iOS 17, a firmware update adds a few new features to the second-generation AirPods Pro, most of which will automatically adapt to your environment or activity so you don’t have to to touch the earphones or reach for your phone.
The main addition is Adaptive Audio, a tool that automatically and “dynamically” mixes transparency mode and active noise cancellation (ANC) depending on your environment. Apple says it will change the noise control settings continuously throughout the day, making appropriate adjustments as you move to different settings. Thanks to the H2 chip in AirPods Pro, the earbuds use a combination of computer algorithms and machine learning that can distinguish between constant and transient noise. The technology inside the earbuds also determines whether you’re still or moving, and whether you’re listening to music or taking a call during automatic settings.
The idea is for this to happen without you really realizing it. When there is a change in your environment, Adaptive Audio gradually begins to fine-tune the mix of ANC and transparency. So if you walk into a noisy cafe or sit near a noisy air conditioning unit, AirPods Pro gently increase the noise cancellation level to combat the clamor. The goal is to make the transition easier, so that changing the undo level doesn’t itself become a distraction.
Indeed, unless you really listen for fluctuations or encounter loud noises, you won’t notice them. It gradually increased the ANC when I was washing dishes at the sink or grinding coffee to keep the sound where I could hear it clearly. But it also reverted to the transparency mode I previously had active when I ventured somewhere quieter. It works very well and it’s not jarring at all thanks to the smooth, but still quick, transition.
Previously, you could switch between transparency mode and ANC by pressing and holding the AirPods Pro stem. You can also reconfigure one to turn off noise control completely. Apple will let you swap any of the options accessible on the headphones with Adaptive Audio, but the company limits it to just two settings via the built-in controls. As you might expect, Adaptive Audio is accessible through the Control Center where the AirPods options have been reorganized. There’s a noise control section that expands to give you access to transparency, adaptive audio, ANC, and mute just below the volume slider.
The next new thing is custom volume. This “uses machine learning to understand environmental conditions and listening preferences over time to automatically refine the media experience,” according to Apple. This is another level of hands-off adjustment that AirPods Pro will perform as you move from one location to another. However, the “over time” part means I haven’t used it long enough to really notice a difference. After only a few days of testing, I can’t say I encountered a moment where the fit was obvious. Maybe the feature needs more time to learn my preferences or maybe Apple’s claims that you’ll barely notice the difference are true. Regardless, I’m not yet comfortable weighing the merits. Custom volume is enabled through the AirPods Pro settings menu, just above the loud sound reduction option.
A handy new tool that I think will quickly become popular is Conversation Awareness. When you start speaking, this feature automatically lowers the volume or pauses, focuses on the voices in front of you, and reduces background noise. It’s similar to Sony’s Speak-to-Chat, except it completely pauses the media when it detects your voice. Here, Apple reduces the volume when you listen to music and pauses things like podcasts and audiobooks. The main problem with Sony’s version is that it is easily triggered by a slight cough or throat clearing. After a few days of testing, Conversation Awareness is less susceptible to false positives, unless you’re really hacking. And if you don’t like it, you can turn it off entirely in the AirPod Pro settings.
I was skeptical at first, but quickly came to terms with Apple’s decision to reduce the volume rather than stopping a song completely. It’s certainly less jarring, and the feature returns to your previous volume about three seconds after it no longer detects your voice or the person you’re speaking to. I’m sure some users would prefer a complete pause for all media, those who don’t want to talk about something in the background. But this is intended for quick conversations rather than extended discussions, and for that reason I’m OK with Apple’s implementation.
The only current problem with Conversation Awareness is that the volume of podcasts first decreases when you start speaking and pauses a few seconds after. It’s a bit clunky, and I think it would be easier to just slowly lower the volume to zero. Luckily, it works outside of Apple Podcasts with apps like Pocket Casts, so you don’t have to worry if you’re not 100% in the Apple ecosystem.
So far, all features are exclusive to the second-generation AirPods Pro with the H2 chip. However, Apple is also making improvements to other models. For both versions of AirPods Pro, third-generation AirPods and AirPods Max, Apple has improved automatic switching between the company’s different devices. This means faster, more reliable switching between listening to music on your Mac and taking a call on your iPhone, for example. This update also requires iPadOS 17 and/or macOS Sonoma, depending on the stability of your devices, for you to notice the difference. I don’t have an iPad or Mac that runs them yet, so I haven’t been able to test Apple’s claims here.
Apple also added a mute feature to the most recent AirPods, both AirPods Pro and AirPods Max models. Simply press the stem or Digital Crown on AirPods Max to mute or unmute during calls. It’s simple, but it’s also a welcome update. You will see a banner and hear a chime every time you change the microphone state. Apple will therefore clearly indicate which setting you are on via two signals on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. Developers working on video and voice calling apps will also be able to implement this feature through CallKit on iOS. So, in addition to being able to tap to mute with Phone and FaceTime, you’ll be able to do it on other popular apps like Skype, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and WeChat. Apple says a Mute API will also be available for macOS apps.
Apple doesn’t typically offer such a robust update to AirPods alongside the annual iOS refresh. However, the additions of Adaptive Audio, Custom Volume, and Conversation Awareness expand the toolset of the newest AirPods Pro so you spend even less time physically pressing buttons to interact with them. And you can decide whether or not you want to use them. I bet you will, especially when your hands are full or you may have walked away from your phone.
The new AirPods Pro features are now available in the iOS 17 public beta. If you can wait, the official version of the AirPods Pro firmware update will be available later today.
