Apple AirPods Firmware

[japanime]

This is purely hypothetical but suppose there was an attack vector into your iPhone via the Bluetooth connection made to the AirPods. Obviously, Apple would not want to allow this to remain unpatched.

Security flaws are one thing, and I don't disagree with the very valid point you make in that regard.

But here we're talking about changes made in the sound performance of audio equipment, which almost certainly wasn't the side effect patching a Bluetooth exploit.

 

[j0nblayz]

I noticed between my warranty replaced pods with 2B588 and my old 2C54, transparency mode on 2B588 is louder and don’t have to take out my bud to hold a conversation. Not sure if my old ones had hardware issues or not, but its been a huge improvement.

 

[morsecp]

Security flaws are one thing, and I don't disagree with the very valid point you make in that regard.

But here we're talking about changes made in the sound performance of audio equipment, which almost certainly wasn't the side effect patching a Bluetooth exploit.

I'm also sure that Apple wasn't trying to reduce the quality of the noise cancellation. It's either a bug or unintended side effect of another change. That change will likely be reworked again and a new firmware update pushed out that rectifies the degradation in noise cancellation. They don't want to rush out another fix only to cause more problems. I don't think what you're seeing now is what Apple is intending. They certainly want to deliver the best noise cancellation possible given the constraints of the hardware. They're not simply reducing the noise cancellation functionality for no reason. Be patient they've only been on the market for a few months there a bound to be some growing pains. If you think they truly suck that bad now I'd recommend calling Apple and trying to get a refund. I'm sure they will accommodate you as it hasn't been that long since they were purchased and there is documented evidence that the original noise cancellation has been reduced.

Personally, I still think they're fantastic and switching between passive isolation and active noise cancellation is a marked difference. I realize the environment plays in important role in how well the noise cancellation works so your mileage may vary. For me they're great and any improvement from this will only be a bonus. I've had all three versions of the firmware that were pushed to the headphones and I have not felt like they are significantly worse now than they were before. Sorry that so many people are unhappy but I think that the AirPods will be brought back in line with what they were originally with a future update.

 

[Elektrofone]

I'm also sure that Apple wasn't trying to reduce the quality of the noise cancellation. It's either a bug or unintended side effect of another change. That change will likely be reworked again and a new firmware update pushed out that rectifies the degradation in noise cancellation. They don't want to rush out another fix only to cause more problems. I don't think what you're seeing now is what Apple is intending. They certainly want to deliver the best noise cancellation possible given the constraints of the hardware. They're not simply reducing the noise cancellation functionality for no reason. The patient they've only been on the market for a few months there a bound to be some growing pains. If you think they truly suck that bad now I'd recommend calling Apple and trying to get a refund. I'm sure they will accommodate you as it hasn't been that long since they were purchased and there is documented evidence that the original noise cancellation has been reduced.

Personally, I still think they're fantastic and switching between passive isolation and active noise cancellation is a marked difference. I realize the environment plays in important role in how well the noise cancellation works so your mileage may vary. For me they're great and any improvement from this will only be a bonus. I've had all three versions of the firmware that were pushed to the headphones and I have not felt like they are significantly worse now than they were before. Sorry that so many people are unhappy but I think that the AirPods will be brought back in line with what they were originally with a future update.

i agree switching between those two modes is impressive. Try switching between off and NC. I can barely notice a difference anymore.

 

[SAIRUS]

Apple should test their products. Blame the automation or caches of the software all you want, ultimately a person needs to actually just do a quick smoke test.

While not 100%, you would be surprised how many times bugs are found.

Software development is based on this.

This is just poor organization at Apple. I’m not saying the sky is falling, but the cracks are starting to show in the foundation.

 

[Otflyer]

Apple should test their products. Blame the automation or caches of the software all you want, ultimately a person needs to actually just do a quick smoke test.

While not 100%, you would be surprised how many times bugs are found.

Software development is based on this.

This is just poor organization at Apple. I’m not saying the sky is falling, but the cracks are starting to show in the foundation.

Apple does test their products in the field before launch. I have a friend who is an Apple engineer. He works on the iPhone. He usually has a prelaunch iPhone to use for a couple months before launch. That doesn’t mean some problems won’t slip by. These are complex devices.

 

[Elektrofone]

Getting mine exchanged by Apple, wondering what firmware they will come with.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

Getting mine exchanged by Apple, wondering what firmware they will come with.

No change with firmware at the moment as confirmed by people that have received new AirPods over the last 24 hours.
I think the new firmware will arrive with the release of iOS 13.3.1

 

[supergt]

Getting mine exchanged by Apple, wondering what firmware they will come with.

2B588 most likely. New units are shipping with this version and I'd assume replacements will be the same.

No change with firmware at the moment as confirmed by people that have received new AirPods over the last 24 hours.
I think the new firmware will arrive with the release of iOS 13.3.1

Interesting guess but I'm not sure why that would be. Nothing in beta points to anything new with the airpods pro.

Edited for formatting

 

[SAIRUS]

Apple does test their products in the field before launch. I have a friend who is an Apple engineer. He works on the iPhone. He usually has a prelaunch iPhone to use for a couple months before launch. That doesn’t mean some problems won’t slip by. These are complex devices.

The devices are complex, but knowing there is a problem and delaying a release is a lot simpler.

 

[japanime]

Received a replacement pair today. Firmware 2B588, hardware 1.0.0. No surprises there.

I was surprised, however, that each bud shipped separately. Oh, and they both came with a full set of silicon tips.

They passed the Ear Tip Fit Test on the first try. But the ANC is still lackluster, as I guessed it would be as soon as I saw they were on 2B588. There's a difference between the ANC and "Off" modes, but it's very subtle.

I don't see any point in asking for another replacement. At this point, I'll just hope that a firmware revision restores ANC to its original, blissful level of quiet.

 

[Elektrofone]

Received a replacement pair today. Firmware 2B588, hardware 1.0.0. No surprises there.

I was surprised, however, that each bud shipped separately. Oh, and they both came with a full set of silicon tips.

They passed the Ear Tip Fit Test on the first try. But the ANC is still lackluster, as I guessed it would be as soon as I saw they were on 2B588. There's a difference between the ANC and "Off" modes, but it's very subtle.

I don't see any point in asking for another replacement. At this point, I'll just hope that a firmware revision restores ANC to its original, blissful level of quiet.

Did you notice a difference with 2C54?

 

[japanime]

Did you notice a difference with 2C54?

Mine were never updated to 2C54.

 

[anthony13]

I’m going to the apple store tomorrow. I’ve had enough. The ANC is non existent, when I first got these, you put them in, the chime sounded, and then the outside world faded away. Now I put them in and I think the battery is dead because nothing changes. To be clear I’m stuck on 2C54, and it blows.

 

[supergt]

Did you notice a difference with 2C54?

I’ve tried both side by side and can verify there is no difference in the ANC. Sound is slightly enhanced on 2C54 as there is a little more bass.

We need to wait for the firmware update, which hopefully will include a substantive improvement or I’ll contemplate a return. This experience has been utterly disappointing. Break something, then fix it. They could’ve rolled back to the original firmware. If everyone on 2B588 (shipping on all new units today) knew what they were missing out on, there’d be a full scale uprising.

 

[anthony13]

I’ve never been one to be interested in class action’s, but the fact that I found my original AirPods so great, that I decided to buy the pro’s on credit when I really had no business doing so, and now to put them in every morning on the train and wallow in disappointment? Well suffice it to say I’m an Apple fan boy that is very disappointed. I know this is a very privileged conversation, but Apple has severely dropped the ball on this. I’m what some might call an Apple apologist, despite that I still call this situation remarkable. I’m very disappointed. Companies get successful and you fear that your voice is to insignificant to make a difference. This is the first time I’ve ever thought that applied to Apple.

 

[kissmo]

I’ve tried both side by side and can verify there is no difference in the ANC. Sound is slightly enhanced on 2C54 as there is a little more bass.

We need to wait for the firmware update, which hopefully will include a substantive improvement or I’ll contemplate a return. This experience has been utterly disappointing. Break something, then fix it. They could’ve rolled back to the original firmware. If everyone on 2B588 (shipping on all new units today) knew what they were missing out on, there’d be a full scale uprising.

Well this is interesting.
When I bought the APP they came with 2B588 and I can feel the difference between ANC On and Off. It did block noice on the plane and it does make an impact.
But since I never had a pair of ANC headsets and I have no reference point to the previous FW versions - I am very curious how much better was the ANC prior to these FW upgrades.

Looking forward to a FW release that hopefully brings back some of these goodies you guys mention,

 

[Otflyer]

Well this is interesting.
When I bought the APP they came with 2B588 and I can feel the difference between ANC On and Off. It did block noice on the plane and it does make an impact.
But since I never had a pair of ANC headsets and I have no reference point to the previous FW versions - I am very curious how much better was the ANC prior to these FW upgrades.

Looking forward to a FW release that hopefully brings back some of these goodies you guys mention,

In my case I can’t detect a noticeable difference in anc between 2B584, 2B588 and 2C54. I have been using anc headphones since the Bose QC15.

 

[Elektrofone]

If i have a replacement airpod that comes with 2b588 and my other current airpod is on 2c54 will it update the new one to 2c54?

 

[kissmo]

In my case I can’t detect a noticeable difference in anc between 2B584, 2B588 and 2C54. I have been using anc headphones since the Bose QC15.

Thanks for the heads-up. I’ve been asking several times on different threads how was the ANC throughout the FW updates.
Well, I guess we wait 1 week or 2 until they release the new iOS and probably the APP FW update along.
I am more interested actually in the sound quality than the ANC to be honest.

Thanks again!

 

[Jutah]

Thanks for the heads-up. I’ve been asking several times on different threads how was the ANC throughout the FW updates.
Well, I guess we wait 1 week or 2 until they release the new iOS and probably the APP FW update along.
I am more interested actually in the sound quality than the ANC to be honest.

Thanks again!

I almost agree with you. I think the new APP fw will be bonded with iOS upgrade.

 

[Kvrcko]

i have replaced two pairs of AirPods pro i am not sure something is better but that is why my serial number on both pairs now shows number “1”, is your case the same with the serial number “1” ?

 

[Elektrofone]

i have replaced two pairs of AirPods pro i am not sure something is better but that is why my serial number on both pairs now shows number “1”, is your case the same with the serial number “1” ?

yes. I’ve noticed that as well

 

[morsecp]

i have replaced two pairs of AirPods pro i am not sure something is better but that is why my serial number on both pairs now shows number “1”, is your case the same with the serial number “1” ?

Same here. I assume it's the way the serial displays now since it's not the same as the case.

 

[Benz63amg]

Thanks for the heads-up. I’ve been asking several times on different threads how was the ANC throughout the FW updates.
Well, I guess we wait 1 week or 2 until they release the new iOS and probably the APP FW update along.
I am more interested actually in the sound quality than the ANC to be honest.

Thanks again!

Sound quality is the same as AirPods Gen 2. ANC is the only difference with AirPods Pro.