Apple has announced many new features for AirPods today, including adaptive audio, personalised volume, audio dipping for conversations and improved audio switching during the WWDC keynote.
Adaptive audio for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) blends transparency mode with noise cancellation based on the conditions around you, reducing loud noises you don’t want to hear. Distracting noises are automatically reduced, and personalised volume uses machine learning to understand your listening preferences over time. Conversational awareness on AirPods Pro will lower your audio volume when you start speaking, focus on voices in front of you, and reduce surrounding background noise.
Improved audio switching means AirPods will quickly switch between your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac. At the same time, you work between conference calls, music, podcasts or whatever else you’re listening to between devices.
Apple has also added Mute or Unmute as an in-call feature across AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation) or AirPods Max allowing users to press the stem or Digital Crown to mute or unmute themselves, making multi-tasking more convenient quickly. Developers can download the AirPods beta at developer.apple.com, and the new features will come to AirPods this fall as a free firmware update.
