iOS 18 will be released on Monday, September 16, 2024, and it’s bringing some exciting new features to AirPods, especially the AirPods Pro 2. Let’s explore what your AirPods will get with the iOS 18 update.
To receive the new features listed below, your AirPods Pro 2 need to be updated to firmware 7A294. Your AirPods will automatically update to the latest firmware when charging and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi.
To find your AirPods firmware version, go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the Info button ⓘ next to the name of your AirPods. Scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version.
Hands-free Siri Interactions
Compatible only with AirPods Pro 2
iOS 18 introduces a new feature for AirPods Pro 2 called Head Gestures, allowing you to interact with Siri or accept/reject calls by nodding or shaking your head—no need for voice commands or hand gestures.
This feature also works with incoming notifications or messages using the same nod or shake gestures.
You can set up Head Gestures by going to Settings > [Your AirPods Name] at the top of the settings, scrolling down, and selecting Head Gestures. Here, you can enable or disable the feature and adjust other settings.
Customize Adaptive Audio
Compatible only with AirPods Pro 2
Adaptive Audio is a feature first introduced with AirPods Pro 2. It automatically activates noise cancellation to reduce annoying sounds based on your surroundings or enables transparency mode so you can hear important noises.
In iOS 18, this feature is enhanced, allowing you to adjust how much noise is filtered out.
You can tweak Adaptive Audio by going to Settings > [Your AirPods Name] at the top of the settings, scrolling down, and selecting Adaptive Audio. Use the slider to choose between Less Noise or More Noise, depending on your needs.
Better Voice Isolation
Compatible only with AirPods Pro 2
Apple added Voice Isolation to AirPods Pro in iOS 18, a feature first introduced on iPhones with iOS 15.
Voice Isolation helps separate your voice from background noise, making it easier for others to hear you clearly without interference.
Previously, this feature could be enabled during calls in iOS 17 and earlier, but voice processing was handled on the iPhone. With iOS 18, this processing is now done directly on the AirPods Pro 2 using advanced computational audio technology, resulting in much better performance.
You can adjust this feature by opening Control Center, tapping Phone Control at the top, and selecting Voice Isolation.
Personalized Spatial Audio for Gaming
Compatible with AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods Max, and AirPods 3rd and 4th generation.
iOS 18 extends Personalized Spatial Audio support to gaming, previously only available for movies and music.
This feature scans your ear data using your iPhone’s camera, optimizing Spatial Audio just for you, creating a more immersive listening experience. Note that developers need to update their games to support Spatial Audio, so be sure to update your games after installing iOS 18 to take advantage of this feature.
You can enable or disable Personalized Spatial Audio by going to Settings > [Your AirPods Name] at the top of the settings, scrolling down, and tap Personalized Spatial Audio.
Lower Latency
Compatible only with AirPods Pro 2
Apple claims they’ve reduced wireless audio latency while gaming in iOS 18. You’ll notice this when actions in your game are instantly followed by corresponding sounds with no delay.
What’s your favorite AirPods feature in iOS 18? Share it in the comments below!
