6 new features that are coming to AirPods Pro 2, thanks to iOS 17
Because iOS 17 isn’t just for your iPhone
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Not long now untiliOS 17becomes readily available to all – and there is a whole slew of Adaptive Audio, Mute and Unmute, Automatic Device Switching, and Dark Mode perks in the pipeline, depending on which set ofApple’s ever-popular AirPods lineupyou own.
Just to clarify the state of play before we get into it, at the time of writing (Aug. 11) the thirdpublic iOS 17 betahas arrived (on Aug. 9), but you still need a separate software update for the AirPods, and that’s currently only available in dev beta. Ergo, the iOS 17 beta doesn’t update the AirPods so we’re somewhat in limbo – “you can” have these upgrades now if you pay for the dev beta. For most of us, it’s “you will” get these features in September. Got it? Good.
1. Adaptive Audio (read: Adaptive Noise Control)
Adaptive Audio (which you may prefer to think of as Adaptive Noise Control) is an AirPods Pro 2exclusive feature that merges ANC and Transparency modes into a seamless all-in-one listen engineered to adjust the volume of what you’re streaming based on your immediate surroundings – and of course, your interactions throughout the day.
Noise control will work to nix extraneous environmental sounds (think airplane jet engines, AC units, the low thrum of traffic on a highway), while making sure you don’t miss anything you might want to hear, eg. your flight attendant asking whether you’d prefer the meat-free option.
And another bit that’s specific to AirPods Pro 2 is this: as noted byMacRumors, with the updated firmware, activating the Adaptive Audio feature can be done (after connecting the AirPods) by opening Control Center, long pressing on the volume, and selecting the “Adaptive” option that joins Transparency and Noise Cancellation.
2. Conversation Awareness (never miss the gossip)
Technically, Conversation Awareness is part of Adaptive Audio, but it’s such a neat perk it deserves its own entry. This feature is able to detect when someone is speaking, a bit likeSony’s Speak to Chat tech, which arrived in 2020 withSony WH-1000XM4over-ears, although that responds toyourvoice, not those of people around you. Apple’s answer detects a conversation striking up in your immediate vicinity, lowers the volume of your music, and cuts down on background noise while enhancing the voices in front of you so you get the scoop.
Do we still think not removing your earbuds in the office when someone comes over is rude? One for the water cooler, maybe.
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3. Personalized volume (your iPhone’s getting to know you)
Again, this is all part and parcel of Adaptive Audio, but Personalized Volume deserves a mention because it adjusts the sound of what’s playing based on your own personal preference and the ambient sound around you.
Yes, your iPhone is actually able to learn more about your preferred listening volume, over time, tailoring to match your desired sound level as necessary.
4. Mute and unmute during calls with new on-ear functionality
This one isn’t just for AirPods Pro 2. By pressing the stem of the AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2 or third-gen.AirPods 3, you can mute and unmute yourself while you’re on a call. This also works onAirPods Maxif you press the button-slash-dial on the right ear cup behind the headband during calls, aka the Digital Crown.
5. Automatic device switching, but snappier
The AirPods Pro 2 can automatically switch betweenAppledevices much quicker in iOS 17. Will we get triple multipoint device connectivity, as first seen in theTechnics EAH-AZ80? Apparently not. In fact,my wish for manual controlplus a few of theupdates we’d hoped to see(universal EQ adjustment, a battery saving mode,Auracast)aren’t here… but still, this update will doubtless appeal to the iOS ensconced.
6. Dark mode, but darker
This is a small one, but when you connect AirPods to an iPhone with Dark Mode enabled (not to be confused with iPhone’s excellentDo Not Disturb mode), the connection popup will also be in Dark Mode – a notable perk for those of us eagerly cueing up our dark wave playlists.
Becky became Audio Editor at TechRadar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.
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