Apple released a firmware update for their AirPods Pro back in December, and according to a recent report, this update may have reduced the effectiveness of the Noise Cancellation feature on the headphones.
The news comes in a report from RTINGS, who have said that the 2C54 firmware update that landed on the 16th of December has made the noise cancellation feature worse.
Update 01/10/2020: After updating to Firmware 2C45, we retested the headphones and our results showed a fairly significant drop in isolation performance, primarily in the bass-range. 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.
Impact on User Experience
The reduction in noise cancellation effectiveness has significant implications for users who rely on this feature, especially in noisy environments. For instance, frequent travelers who use AirPods Pro to block out the ambient noise of airplanes or buses may find the updated performance lacking. The bass-range isolation is particularly crucial for canceling out low-frequency sounds like engine rumbles, and the reported drop in performance could lead to a less immersive listening experience.
While the update did improve things like bass accuracy, it appears that it may have reduced the effectiveness of the Noise Cancellation. This trade-off has left many users disappointed, as the primary selling point of the AirPods Pro is their superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature. Users have taken to various forums and social media platforms to express their concerns and hope for a quick resolution.
Technical Aspects and Future Updates
The firmware update 2C54 was expected to bring several improvements, including better sound quality and enhanced connectivity. However, the unintended consequence of reduced noise cancellation has overshadowed these benefits. The technical reasons behind this degradation are not entirely clear, but it could be related to changes in the algorithms that control the ANC feature.
Apple is known for its commitment to user experience, and it is likely that they are already working on a new firmware update to address these issues. Users are hopeful that a future update will restore the noise cancellation performance to its previous levels or even improve it further. In the meantime, some users have opted to revert to the older firmware version, although this process is not straightforward and comes with its own set of challenges.
In addition to the noise cancellation issue, some users have reported other minor bugs and glitches following the update. These include occasional connectivity drops and issues with the transparency mode. While these problems are not as widespread, they add to the growing list of concerns that users have with the current firmware.
The AirPods Pro have been a popular choice for many due to their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, excellent sound quality, and effective noise cancellation. However, this recent firmware update has put a dent in their reputation. It serves as a reminder that even the most well-regarded products can face challenges and that continuous improvement is essential.
In conclusion, while the 2C54 firmware update brought some improvements, it also introduced a significant drawback in the form of reduced noise cancellation effectiveness. Apple users are eagerly awaiting a new update that will address these issues and restore the AirPods Pro to their former glory. Until then, users may need to manage their expectations and find alternative ways to cope with noisy environments.
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