Written by Mohamed Ayman
Sunday, July 28, 2024 08:00 PM
iOS 18 is an update tailored for the iPhone. However, it also introduces several new features for the AirPods Pro 2, Apple’s latest earbuds. These new capabilities require iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia, along with the firmware update that will be released when Apple launches its new software this fall.
6 New Features iOS 18 Brings to AirPods Pro
Head Movements
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to confirm an order Siri or reject a call without using voice commands or your hands, there is a new solution on its way.
Head gestures offer a new method of control for AirPods Pro. You will be able to nod your head up and down or shake it side to side to decline a call or interact with Siri. When you receive a call, shaking your head can signal a decline, while nodding can confirm acceptance.
When responding to Siri for controlling incoming or outgoing notifications and messages, you can use the same gestures to answer yes or no without speaking.
Noise Isolation
With noise isolation, AirPods Pro can diminish loud background noise when you are on a call, allowing the other party to hear you more clearly.
AirPods Pro will utilize machine learning to identify and isolate ambient noises such as wind, nearby cars, and conversations, effectively filtering these sounds to prioritize your voice. Noise isolation is a feature available for both the original AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
Improved Adaptive Sound Controls
Adaptive Noise Control is created to automatically adjust active noise cancellation and the sound you hear in response to your surrounding noises. Previously, Adaptive Audio was an all-or-nothing feature, but with iOS 18, it now offers more nuanced controls, allowing users to let in more or less noise as preferred.
Spatial Audio for Games
Personalized spatial audio, which tailors sound for movies, TV shows, and music, will be extended to games with iOS 18. This feature uses the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone to scan your face and ears, can create a personal profile that customizes spatial audio specifically for you.
Apple is now expanding dedicated spatial audio for gaming, aiming to enhance audio immersion during gameplay. Game developers can integrate spatial audio into their games as part of this update. This feature will be available for AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and the third-generation AirPods.
Sound Quality in Games
AirPods Pro 2 will provide improvements in audio quality for in-game voice chat and streaming, alongside dynamic head tracking and support for 16-bit 48kHz audio in games.
Lower Latency
According to Apple, AirPods Pro will feature the best wireless audio latency ever for mobile gaming due to improvements in iOS 18. This enhanced latency means you will experience minimal to no lag when performing actions in a game and hearing the corresponding audio, delivering a more responsive gaming experience.
Other AirPods Models
Many of these features will be exclusive to the latest AirPods Pro models—with head gestures and noise isolation not available on devices other than the AirPods Pro 2—but spatial audio for gaming will be more broadly accessible.
You can explore more about all the new features Apple has introduced in iOS 18 in our iOS 18 roundup.
Sunday, July 28, 2024 08:00 PM
iOS 18 is an update designed to enhance the user experience on iPhone. However, it also adds several exciting features for the AirPods Pro 2, Apple’s latest earbuds, that will be supported by the new firmware launching this fall alongside iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia.
6 New Features iOS 18 Brings to AirPods Pro
Head Movements
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to confirm an order with Siri or reject a call without voice commands or using your hands, Apple has a solution. Head gestures are being introduced as a new control method for the AirPods Pro. You will be able to nod your head up and down or shake it back and forth to interact with Siri, decline or accept calls without speaking a word.
Sound Insulation
iOS 18 brings a noise isolation feature that allows AirPods Pro to significantly reduce loud background noises during phone calls. This enhancement will ensure that your voice is more clearly heard on the other end. Using machine learning, AirPods Pro will detect ambient disturbances like wind, cars, or people talking, effectively isolating your voice and minimizing distractions. This feature will enhance communication for both the original AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.
Better Adaptive Sound Controls
The Adaptive Noise Control feature allows for more individualized sound management by adjusting active noise cancellation based on surrounding conditions. iOS 18 improves this with more granular controls, allowing users to choose how much ambient noise they want to let through, rather than a rigid all-or-nothing setting.
Spatial Audio for Games
While personalized spatial audio has historically been limited to movies and music, iOS 18 extends this feature to gaming, providing an enhanced immersive sound experience. With the help of the TrueDepth camera on iPhones, spatial audio will create a tailored audio environment based on your head shape and ear structure. Game developers can now leverage spatial audio for a more engaging gameplay experience across AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and third-generation AirPods.
Sound Quality in Games
The AirPods Pro 2 will now feature improvements in audio quality for in-game chats and streaming. Additionally, they will support dynamic head tracking and 16-bit at 48kHz audio quality, significantly enhancing the auditory experience in gaming environments.
Low Latency
Apple claims that AirPods Pro will provide the best wireless audio latency ever for mobile gaming, with enhancements in iOS 18 ensuring minimal delay between gameplay actions and audio feedback. This means players will experience a far more responsive and enjoyable gaming experience.
Other AirPods Models
While many features in iOS 18 will be exclusive to the latest AirPods Pro models, such as head gestures and advanced noise isolation, some features like spatial audio for gaming will be available across a wider range of devices, enhancing the overall user experience.
Benefits of the New Features
The introduction of these features through iOS 18 offers numerous advantages:
- Enhanced Communication: Noise isolation ensures clarity in calls.
- Improved Accessibility: Gesture controls provide a hands-free way to manage calls and Siri.
- Immersive Audio Experience: Personalized spatial audio adds depth and realism in both music and gaming.
- Responsive Gaming: Improved latency and sound quality make for a better gaming experience.
Practical Tips for Using New Features
To make the most of these new features, consider the following tips:
- Keep your AirPods Pro updated to the latest firmware following the release of iOS 18.
- Experiment with the adaptive noise controls to find your preferred sound environment.
- Test out the new gesture controls in quiet settings before using them in more public or noisy environments.
- Engage with games that support spatial audio to truly appreciate the immersive sound experience.
Case Study: First-Hand Experience with AirPods Pro 2
Users have reported that the new gesture controls made answering calls during exercise much easier, significantly enhancing their multitasking ability. The noise isolation feature has also received positive feedback, particularly in busy urban areas, where it allows users to communicate without raising their voices, making the overall Apple ecosystem feel even more integrated and user-friendly.
Summary of New Features
| Feature | Description | Supported Models |
|---|---|---|
| Head Movements | Control calls and Siri with head gestures. | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Sound Insulation | Reduces background noise during calls. | AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2 |
| Adaptive Sound Controls | Fine-tune noise cancellation settings. | AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2 |
| Spatial Audio for Games | Immersive audio tailored for gaming experiences. | AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Third-gen AirPods |
| Low Latency | Minimized delay in gaming audio feedback. | AirPods Pro 2 |
You can discover more about all the new features Apple has introduced in iOS 18 by checking out our iOS 18 roundup.
