Update it! There’s a new firmware update available for AirPods Pro 2, bringing iOS 18 features to the earbuds. Here they are.
AirPods Pro 2 get iOS 18 features
Apple has released an update for the AirPods Pro 2! The firmware has version number 7A294 and is available for at least the second generation of the AirPods Pro. With the new firmware, the AirPods Pro 2 get support for functions of iOS 18. That update was released for the iPhone at the same time. Apple’s best earphones get a lot better with iOS 18. These are the improvements:
1. Head gestures
With iOS 18, the AirPods Pro 2 get four new features. After installing the firmware, the earphones work with head gestures. You can enable this feature by turning on the switch behind ‘Head gestures’ in the settings of your AirPods. You can then simply nod yes or shake no to answer calls with your AirPods. With voice commands, Siri also responds to the head gestures.
Also available at the AirPods 4.
2. Voice isolation
Do you regularly make calls with your earphones? Then the AirPods Pro 2 will get a handy feature with iOS 18, because Apple introduces Voice Isolation. This blocks out loud background noise when you are making calls with the AirPods. With machine learning, your voice is filtered from disruptive sounds. This way you can make calls without any problems, even when it is windy or you are walking in a busy street.
Also available at the AirPods Pro (first generation) and AirPods 4.
3. Game Mode
Game mode for AirPods Pro 2 has been improved in iOS 18. The earbuds suffer less from audio delay, which is almost always the case with wireless connections. According to Apple, the delay on AirPods Pro 2 has almost disappeared in game mode. That’s good news, because it means that image and sound are completely in sync again when you play games with the AirPods in. Spatial audio has also been improved in game mode.
4. Personalized audio
With the latest firmware, personalized audio works better on AirPods Pro 2. This feature allows the sound of your AirPods to adjust to the noise in your environment. When adjusting the sound, the earbuds take into account your personal preference for the volume of your AirPods. With iOS 18, AirPods Pro 2 do this better, so you are less bothered by noisy environments. This makes your listening experience even better when playing games.
Also available with the AirPods Pro, AirPods MaxAirPods 3 and AirPods 4.
These iOS 18 features are coming later
The AirPods Pro 2 will get some handy features in iOS 18, but that’s not all. During the iPhone 16 event, Apple announced even more features. With hearing protection, the earbuds block out too loud sounds, so you can wear the AirPods at a concert, for example. Do you want to test your hearing? That will also soon be possible with the AirPods Pro 2.
In addition, you will soon be able to use the earphones as a fully-fledged hearing aid. These three functions will only be available with a later version of iOS 18 in the fall. In principle, you do not have to do anything to install the latest firmware on your AirPods. The AirPods will be updated automatically when they are in the case and near your iPhone. Do your earphones not support all the new functions and are you looking for new AirPods? Then view the best prices for the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 here:
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