Apple AirPods Firmware

[andyw715]

The ear fit test is failing for me every single time and yes, I have tried all of the various troubleshooting steps and I am still having this issue! I didn't have this issue when the AirPods Pro was 1st released in Oct 2019 with the initial firmware version.

The troubleshooting steps I have tried:

• clean it with a dry cotton swab on the top grill
• reset the AirPods Pro
• trying other sized ear tips

Thoughts?

Just make sure you device is running the latest iOS and get on support chat and set up for replacements of both airpods.
You've done the 'official' cleaning/resetting procedures. Other than trying that blutack stuff (which isn't an official remedy) support chat seems to be the next step. I have some blutack on its way from amazon. If that doesn't fix my issues i'll be back to support chat getting yet another replacement pair.

 

[japanime]

But as a suggestion, here’s something you can use to unclog them - you know the sticky globs of ‘stuff’ that’s used to adhere a new credit card to paper when you received a new card in the mail...I have no idea what it’s called, but I think that may work sell to rip out the dust/wax build up.

Good suggestion! Amazon's shipping boxes often have some of that glue on the inside bottom to keep the shrinkwrapped items from sliding around during transport.

The substance itself is technically known as "fugitive glue," though in the industry it's commonly called, um, "booger glue."

 

[Jutah]

I had 2C54, then replacements with 2B588, and now 2D15. I do feel the ANC is improved. My treadmill is SUPER LOUD and I finally can’t hear it again. I was able to hear it though 2C54 and 2B588. The only thing I hear is when I get too close to the side and it makes a loud squeal but that seems normal to me. I can’t hear my footsteps pounding which has been my test for each version. The music quality seems better but I’m not an expert audiophile. For what it’s worth I have never had a crackling issue with my APP.

you mean you can't hear the thredmill and your footstep with anc and music on, corrrect?

 

[Marketh]

Had the AirPods Pro for quite a while now, always been on 2B588. After updating to 2D15 there is a definite improvement in overall sound quality, the sound-stage seems much wider. I'm certain this isn't placebo for those wondering.

Regarding ANC I have yet to notice much difference, which to me isn't really a bad thing. One example is I can start my car and genuinely not hear it at all with ANC on.

 

[gwhizkids]

Not on Target website. They have Elmers mounting putty

I’ve found it in store in both Connecticut and Massachusetts

 

[Phuz01]

Had the AirPods Pro for quite a while now, always been on 2B588. After updating to 2D15 there is a definite improvement in overall sound quality, the sound-stage seems much wider. I'm certain this isn't placebo for those wondering.

Regarding ANC I have yet to notice much difference, which to me isn't really a bad thing. One example is I can start my car and genuinely not hear it at all with ANC on.

Agreed on both points. The bass is a bit richer and the deep thumps have a bit more bounce to them. White noise cancellation is pretty strong now, but ANC still doesn't seem to be as effective with modulating sounds as it did when the APPs were first released.

 

[jdavid_rp]

ANC can't even hide the fan of my computer that's just a static fan sound... I'm a bit scared of being disappointed with the APP next time I go out and I use the train...

 

[rxp]

If a noise is static or "changing" makes no difference to ANC.

There's an excellent post on reddit on why this is the case: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/9cn1sv/_/e5ehqi9

 

[whsbuss]

I’ve found it in store in both Connecticut and Massachusetts

Not here in SE PA

 

[MJ22]

you mean you can't hear the thredmill and your footstep with anc and music on, corrrect?

correct. Only in the event I half-step off the belt and it makes a VERY loud squealing noise—regular running, I cannot hear the motor or my footfalls.

 

[sonantatom]

I've updated to the latest firmware (2D15) and initially didn't find a lot difference with the ANC, however I sucked on the top vent a few times (as mentioned in here) and used a wet wipe to clear debris and now I'm pretty happy with it. I commute on a minibus (small 19 seater diesel bus) every day and previously the engine/exhaust noise and rattles were prominent with ANC on (higher frequencies did get cut) and that was pretty annoying. Now nearly all of that gone: I can still hear a little but it is no longer annoying. Someone also mentioned running: I haven't tried that, but walking is also improved - I think overall, it is better than when I first got them with the original firmware.

 

[gwhizkids]

Not here in SE PA

Someone is probably hoarding this too!

 

[alexsa]

Here is a good video to compare...

It definitely seems that the new 2D15 has the best ANC !

 

[Otflyer]

To my ears the 2D15 firmware is better than previous firmware 2C54.

 

[zhenya]

My impression is also that 2D15 is improved in all respects. Slightly better ANC. Slightly fuller sound. Biggest change is in Transparency mode where it now sounds very natural - easy to wear these around the house while waiting for a call and interact with the family. Previously this mode was over amplified and too bright for more than a few moments of use.

 

[alexsa]

My impression is also that 2D15 is improved in all respects. Slightly better ANC. Slightly fuller sound. Biggest change is in Transparency mode where it now sounds very natural - easy to wear these around the house while waiting for a call and interact with the family. Previously this mode was over amplified and too bright for more than a few moments of use.

Yes the transparency mode improved the most and doesn't sound overly digital or amplified anymore.
The bass is also punchier.

 

[sft109]

Agree transparency mode sounds much more natural now with 2D15 which is nice. I still have to regularly unclog my vents with Blu tack To get good bass and ANC but alas I have accepted that it is the reality of this product for me.

 

[nico.ha1]

With 2D15 ANC is much worse than before with 2B588 almost I can’t hear a difference between ANC on or off. I’m pretty disappointed. Apple Support Chat haven’t a solution and tells to wait due to software updates or support document.

 

[zhenya]

With 2D15 ANC is much worse than before with 2B588 almost I can’t hear a difference between ANC on or off. I’m pretty disappointed. Apple Support Chat haven’t a solution and tells to wait due to software updates or support document.

There is something wrong with your AirPods and/or you are not inserting them in a way such that you are getting a seal. On mine (newly replaced due to the buzzing issue) 2D15 is essentially the same as 2B588 as far as ANC goes, if anything, slightly better. There is a substantial difference between "off" and "NC".

 

[Paco II]

Just to echo this since it seems to come up periodically. We can debate all day long (and we will!) over the ANC differences between firmware versions, but if someone is hearing no difference at all between ANC on and off, that is not in anyway normal and indicates some other issue, be it user error or defect. Firmware is one of the least likely culprits.

There is something wrong with your AirPods and/or you are not inserting them in a way such that you are getting a seal. On mine (newly replaced due to the buzzing issue) 2D15 is essentially the same as 2B588 as far as ANC goes, if anything, slightly better. There is a substantial difference between "off" and "NC".

 

[CoronaOnTap]

With 2D15 ANC is much worse than before with 2B588 almost I can’t hear a difference between ANC on or off. I’m pretty disappointed. Apple Support Chat haven’t a solution and tells to wait due to software updates or support document.

As @zhenya suggested you could not be getting a good seal. I bumped up the tips to L and it was like night and day. ANC works way better and with 2D15 the pressure sensation’s gone too.

 

[PTLove]

The seal with these is just impossible for me. When I first got these they worked fantastic for like 3 days, then they just fall out of my ear / do not have a good seal all the time after that.

 

[Ralfi]

The seal with these is just impossible for me. When I first got these they worked fantastic for like 3 days, then they just fall out of my ear / do not have a good seal all the time after that.

Are you wiping down the side which touches your skin (the inner mic area) & silicon tip every time you remove them + the surfaces in the case where the tip & inner mic make contact?

 

[vel0city]

Sound is much improved for me with this firmware, to the extent that I had to double check my Spotify playlist to make sure I wasn't listening to a remixed or remastered version of an album that I am very familiar with. Bass is really thumping and meaty now, top end clearer and slightly more definition in the mid-rage revealing details that I hadn't noticed before.

Beautiful warm sunny day here in London UK today, with everyone out in their gardens, chatting, drinking, kids playing etc as you'd expect. It's just bliss for me to be able to block all that out and listen to music knowing that I won't disturb anyone. I took them out to talk to my wife just now and hadn't even heard the various lawn mowers or sound of someone using a jetwasher. It's just amazing. The ANC has always been really effective for me, but what this version has bought is a decrease in my internal body sounds especially when drinking and eating, meaning that I can barbecue and eat my steak and listen to the Rolling Stones in complete sonic isolation.

I love these things. For me, the best Apple product since the iPhone.

 

[Ralfi]

The ANC completely blocked out the clanging & water running whilst I cleaned a pot over the sink.

I love these things. For me, the best Apple product since the iPhone.

Concurred!