Apple makes AirPods Pro 2 ready for iOS 18

Apple has released an important firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2. Version 7A294 introduces head gestures for control and improves audio quality. The update also prepares the truly wireless headphones for iOS 18, which will be released next week.

AirPods Pro 2: Update ahead of iOS 18

Another firmware update for the second generation AirPods Pro is coming from Cupertino. The new version 7A294 brings several improvements and new features that users have been expecting since the announcement at WWDC 2024 and at the same time sets the course for the iPhone and iPad update to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.

One of the most striking innovations are the head gestures for controlling Siri. Users can now interact with Apple’s voice assistant by simply nodding or shaking their head without having to say a word. By default, nodding is interpreted as “yes” and shaking the head as “no”. These gestures can also be reversed or completely deactivated in the settings. The function is said to be particularly useful when answering calls or reading messages aloud.

Improved audio quality and speech intelligibility

The update also brings improvements in audio quality. Apple promises improved voice isolation during calls, so that your voice comes through clearer and more intelligible to the person you’re talking to. There’s also good news for gamers: The AirPods Pro 2 now offer the lowest wireless audio latency that Apple has ever delivered for mobile games. In addition, voice quality when chatting with teammates has been improved, including 16-bit, 48 kHz audio.

Adaptive audio, availability and installation

Another new feature concerns adaptive audio. Users can now choose between three profiles and decide for themselves how strong the noise cancellation (ANC) should react in noisy environments. This function allows for finer tuning of sensitivity and adapts better to individual preferences.

As with previous updates, this firmware is installed automatically when the AirPods are in their charging case and within Bluetooth range of a Wi-Fi-connected iPhone, iPad or Mac. It may take some time for the update to reach all users. To check the current firmware version, users can check the iPhone settings under Bluetooth > AirPods Pro > Version.

The update applies to both the Lightning and USB-C variants of the AirPods Pro 2. It is important to note that some of the new features will not be fully usable until the release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia and watchOS 11.

Outlook on future updates

Apple has already announced additional features for the AirPods Pro 2 that will be released in a later update. These include improved hearing protection, a clinical hearing test and a hearing aid function. These additions are expected to be delivered with another software update later this year.