Apple has introduced a significant update for the AirPods Pro 2 with the release of iOS 18. This update brings several exciting features that enhance the user experience, including hands-free Siri control and improved call quality through voice isolation. Additionally, the update addresses latency issues during gaming and offers personalized volume control for a more tailored audio experience. Here’s everything you need to know about these new features.
Hands-Free Siri Integration for Seamless Control
With the iOS 18 update, AirPods Pro 2 users can now control Siri without the need for voice commands. Utilizing the H2 chip’s machine learning capabilities, users can give commands to Siri through head gestures—nodding up and down for “yes” and side to side for “no.” This feature allows for silent control, making it perfect for public or quiet environments where speaking aloud might be inconvenient.
This gesture-based, silent operation offers a true hands-free experience. Users can answer calls, check messages, and control music playback without speaking a word. This advancement not only boosts convenience but also provides a more natural interaction with the device.
Improved Call Quality with Voice Isolation
Another highlight of this update is the enhanced voice isolation feature powered by the H2 chip. This technology significantly improves call quality by eliminating background noise and ensuring only the user’s voice is transmitted clearly to the other party. Whether you’re in a noisy environment like a city street or inside a car, the voice isolation feature reduces distractions from wind, air conditioners, or vehicle noise.
This functionality is ideal for business professionals or anyone frequently on calls in various environments. The clarity of both incoming and outgoing audio ensures stress-free conversations. Best of all, this feature is automatically enabled, requiring no extra setup from the user.
Gaming and Audio Enhancements for a Superior Experience
The latest update to the AirPods Pro 2 also addresses audio latency, particularly during gaming. This improvement offers near real-time audio feedback, which is especially beneficial for genres that require quick reactions, such as shooting or action games. The reduced lag provides a more immersive gaming experience, ensuring that audio is perfectly synced with the in-game action.
In addition to gaming improvements, the update enhances audio quality across the board. With support for 16-bit 47kHz sound, the quality of voice calls and online meetings also sees an upgrade. This higher fidelity not only improves how clearly you hear others but also how clearly they hear you.
Another noteworthy improvement is in the personalized volume control. The update further refines this feature, automatically adjusting the volume based on the user’s surroundings. Whether you’re in a noisy or quiet place, you’ll enjoy the optimal audio level without needing to manually adjust the volume.
Easy Update Process with Important Considerations
To take advantage of these new features, users need to update their iPhone to iOS 18 and then connect their AirPods Pro 2 to the phone. Play some music for about 30 seconds, then return the AirPods to their case, close the lid, and leave the case near the iPhone. The firmware update will be applied automatically.
The update process is simple, but users should avoid opening the case or removing the AirPods during the process, as this could interfere with the update. Once completed, the AirPods will automatically disconnect, and users will need to reconnect them to their device.
With these updates, the AirPods Pro 2 offer even greater convenience and functionality. Apple continues to push the envelope with each update, and users can expect even more enhancements in the future.