ANC is affected ☹️ AirPods Pro 2 Firmware 6B34

TL;DR

The latest firmware updates for AirPods Pro 2 affect sound quality and noise cancellation, especially between USB-C and Lightning versions.

Transcript

wow it seems like Apple's rolling out updates every couple of weeks now this time it's 6B 34 for both the USB type-c and lightning connector versions of the airpods Pro 2 following from 6B 32 now I don't really expect this to be anything more than just minor tweaks maybe security related updates but we don't really know for sure because except for ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👂 Apple's AirPods Pro 2 firmware updates (version 6B 34) have been occurring frequently, enhancing sound performance and features.
• 🙂 The USB-C version shows improved high-frequency response, while the Lightning version exhibits a slight reduction in overall gain.
• 🙂 The ANC performance has not improved for the USB-C model but seems to have degraded slightly on the Lightning version.
• 🙈 Mic performance in calling scenarios has seen a drop in background noise reduction for both versions, highlighting a need for voice isolation for clearer call quality.
• 👂 Users looking to understand sound quality differences can utilize online tools to compare between different earbuds and firmware updates.
• 👂 The subtle sound quality changes may not be easily perceptible for all users, necessitating careful listening to identify differences.
• 👤 Active noise cancellation capabilities vary between the two versions, affecting user experience based on device usage scenarios.

Questions & Answers

Q: What significant changes were noticed in the audio quality of AirPods Pro 2 with firmware 6B 34?

The latest firmware update has introduced specific differences between the USB-C and Lightning versions of the AirPods Pro 2. The USB-C version has seen an uplift in high-frequency ranges, potentially making the sound feel airier. In contrast, the Lightning version now has reduced gain across the frequency spectrum, making its audio profile more similar to the USB-C version. However, these differences may be subtle to many users.

Q: How does the firmware update impact the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance?

The update has shown that while there are no changes to the USB-C version’s ANC functionality, the Lightning connector version appears to have weakened slightly. This means that in noisy environments, the Lightning version may allow slightly more background noise, affecting the listening experience. This difference necessitates testing to fully understand the implications for users when engaging in calls.

Q: How did the AirPods Pro 2 perform in calling tests with the updated firmware?

During calling tests, it was observed that neither version of the AirPods Pro 2 effectively cut background noise without the Apple voice isolation feature enabled. This reduced performance for both USB-C and Lightning versions indicates a leveling out of microphone pickup quality, resulting in a similar experience regardless of the connection type when not using an Apple device.

Q: What recommendations does the content suggest for users wanting to compare their AirPods performance?

The content encourages users to visit ladandwireless.com, which features a sound comparison tool where they can evaluate the performance of their AirPods Pro 2 against previous firmware versions and other earbuds. This resource aims to help users make informed decisions without needing to visit physical stores.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Recent firmware updates (6B 34) for the AirPods Pro 2 have been rolled out, including both USB-C and Lightning connector versions, mostly involving minor tweaks and adjustments.

• There are noticeable audio performance changes; the USB-C version has improved high frequencies, while the Lightning version shows a slight decrease in overall gain.

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has not improved for the USB-C version, but it appears to have weakened for the Lightning version, affecting their performance during calls.