AirPods Pro firmware update sacrifices noise cancellation quality for bass
A recent firmware update to AirPods Pro was was meant to improve the audio quality overall, but seems to have reduced the ability to block some ambient noise at lower frequencies.
Apple AirPods Pro uses ANC to block outside noise
Apple released the affected firmware update on December 16, 2019, which may have reduced audio isolation performance. Audio review site Rtings performed a new round of tests to evaluate the AirPods Pro ANC while running the 2C54 update, and found that user complaints were accurate.
"After updating to Firmware [2C54], we retested the headphones and our results showed a fairly significant drop in isolation performance, primarily in the bass-range," discovered Rtings. "This means that with ANC turned on, these headphones won't do nearly as good a job blocking out the low engine rumbles of planes or buses as they did before this update. This review reflects these changes."
The reduction in isolation has been directly attributed in Apple's attempt to increase audio quality, and more specifically bass accuracy. Rtings also reflected this change saying that the result "showed a fairly significant improvement to bass accuracy."
The 2C54 update was pulled shortly after release for reasons not entirely clear, but users were already complaining about a difference in the active noise cancellation system (ANC). Also unclear, is how many users ultimately were affected by this update.
Apple's AirPods Pro are the high end version of Apple's truly wireless earphones. Released in September 2019, they debuted as an upgrade path from the existing second generation AirPods, rather than acting as a replacement. AirPods Pro offered Active Noise Cancelling and changeable ear tips for a premium $250 price tag. Check out AppleInsider's Price Guide for more purchasing information and deals.
Apple AirPods Pro uses ANC to block outside noise
Apple released the affected firmware update on December 16, 2019, which may have reduced audio isolation performance. Audio review site Rtings performed a new round of tests to evaluate the AirPods Pro ANC while running the 2C54 update, and found that user complaints were accurate.
"After updating to Firmware [2C54], we retested the headphones and our results showed a fairly significant drop in isolation performance, primarily in the bass-range," discovered Rtings. "This means that with ANC turned on, these headphones won't do nearly as good a job blocking out the low engine rumbles of planes or buses as they did before this update. This review reflects these changes."
The reduction in isolation has been directly attributed in Apple's attempt to increase audio quality, and more specifically bass accuracy. Rtings also reflected this change saying that the result "showed a fairly significant improvement to bass accuracy."
The 2C54 update was pulled shortly after release for reasons not entirely clear, but users were already complaining about a difference in the active noise cancellation system (ANC). Also unclear, is how many users ultimately were affected by this update.
Apple's AirPods Pro are the high end version of Apple's truly wireless earphones. Released in September 2019, they debuted as an upgrade path from the existing second generation AirPods, rather than acting as a replacement. AirPods Pro offered Active Noise Cancelling and changeable ear tips for a premium $250 price tag. Check out AppleInsider's Price Guide for more purchasing information and deals.
Comments
On a different note, what are "truly wireless" earphones?? Uh, either they're connected by wire or they aren't, no?
if you posted to this group, I think you owe it to yourself to make Apple Support aware of the problem.
I am reminded of airline flights who are off-track 98% of the time. It’s the constant little self-corrections that get them their safely and on-time.
”May constitute an unauthorized modification”
I would go back to law school to take this case.
Most of the complaints I hear about are from people who don’t own AirPods or AirPod Pros, which makes it pretty tough to show harm I or intent to cause harm.
Can you say? FUD
When I flew from London to Auckland late last November they worked just great. Mystery solved. Here’s hoping Apple fix it with and update soon.
but you’re right, better discuss this in a legal forum I suppose.
although in its case the firmware update happened around the same time the more expensive 700s were released.
1. Plug your charging case in.
2. Make sure your AirPods are in the case.
3. Place the iPhone your AirPods are connected to near the charging case.
It might take a while, but it’ll happen.