Apple has released a firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2, bringing new features that work with iOS 18.
iOS 18 is here!
You don’t need to figure out how to use the new flashlight, text effects and home screen app icon tricks on your own. I’m here for you with the annual tradition…
18 TIPS FOR IOS 18! Only the skilled and the strong can do this kind of work.
VIDEO:… pic.twitter.com/2d4p53Sec4
— Joanna Stern (@JoannaStern) September 16, 2024
The update has a build number of 7A294 and is available for all AirPods Pro 2 users, including both the Lightning and USB-C versions. One of the notable additions is head gestures, which allow users to control their AirPods Pro with simple movements.
For example, shaking your head can decline a call, while nodding can accept it. This hands-free mode also applies to other notifications, adding convenience in various scenarios. The update also enhances Siri interactions, enabling users to respond to incoming messages, calls, and notifications effortlessly.
Along with iOS 18, Apple also released
iPadOS 18
macOS 15
tvOS 18
HomePodOS 18
watchOS 11
visionOS 2
iOS 17.7
iPadOS 17.7 pic.twitter.com/cYAxhNv0fq— Aaron Zollo (@zollotech) September 16, 2024
A new Voice Isolation feature is designed to reduce background noise, improving call clarity. It uses advanced machine learning to isolate the user’s voice and significantly reduce ambient sounds.
Apple releases new AirPods firmware
Just an FYI. If you are on iOS 18 RC, you already have the final version. iOS 18 RC and iOS 18 Public Release today are identical, you just had it early. pic.twitter.com/BuLoW0C4nN
— Aaron Zollo (@zollotech) September 16, 2024
For gamers, the update introduces Personalized Spatial Audio, providing an immersive audio experience. This feature, previously available for movies and music, is now accessible to game developers, allowing games to offer more immersive 3D sound and head tracking. The update also reduces audio latency significantly, which is particularly beneficial for gamers, where even a slight delay between the signal and sound can affect performance in fast-response games.
Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 now offer better voice transmission quality in games, achieving up to 16-bit, 48kHz, ensuring clearer and more natural-sounding voice communication during in-game interactions. Apple typically updates AirPods firmware over the air when the AirPods are in a charging case and connected to an iOS device or Mac. Although there is no manual method to upgrade AirPods software, the update should install automatically under these conditions.
The new firmware builds upon previous features and improves the existing Voice Isolation function, which some users found lacking in earlier iterations. These upgrades promise to enhance the overall user experience, making the AirPods Pro 2 even more versatile and efficient in various situations.
