I totally agree. It’s beyond cool. Apart from the reduced ANC and buggy performance I returned the APP mainly because of the sudden change in sound after the last FW update. I remember how much I enjoyed them on the original firmware, a nice wide soundstage, a little bit airy. Great for classical music. But after the latest - now pulled - FW update the highs were less crisp and the bass and mids were more pronounced and blended together. For me that pretty much killed the whole awesomeness of the APP. Such a shame.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Proof Apple reduced noise cancelling functionality in airpod pros
- Thread starter supergt
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I totally agree. It’s beyond cool. Apart from the reduced ANC and buggy performance I returned the APP mainly because of the sudden change in sound after the last FW update. I remember how much I enjoyed them on the original firmware, a nice wide soundstage, a little bit airy. Great for classical music. But after the latest - now pulled - FW update the highs were less crisp and the bass and mids were more pronounced and blended together. For me that pretty much killed the whole awesomeness of the APP. Such a shame.
I have been using anc headphones since the Bose QC15. I currently have Bose QC35, Sony WH1000MX3, Sony WF1000MX3, Bose QC20 In addition to APP’s. I’m an experienced user. No one has definitive proof it is software or hardware related in my opinion. When Apple releases a firmware update that fixes the problem that will be proof. Until you personally use my APP’s don’t try to tell me mine have this issue when I know different. Yes, many are effected but, based on my experience, not all.
This is just speculation on my part, and I have not one shred of evidence, but I suspect that Apple may never revert the NC back to where it was. It may be a liability issue. What happens when a person gets hit by a car and they had NC on? What happens if someone gets jumped and robbed or killed with NC on? User error, right? Apple is the biggest lawsuit target in the world and user error won’t stop them from getting sued and getting a bunch of horrible press.
There are better NC headphones in the market. Their makers aren’t concerned about their NC being a health & safety issue, so I don’t think Apple should be reducing their NC further for the sake of avoiding law suits.
& i’m not saying Apple have reduced their NC. Based on my own APP, they’re great.
I don’t agree with your theory either. The more likely explanation is that they reduced it due to complaints about headaches and dizziness. Some people said it made them feel like they were underwater. I don’t think we will ever know but the pressure is now on Apple to show some kind of measurable improvement in ANC with the next firmware update.
Not sure if I should send my pros in? They are now sounding like some cheap £5 headphones. Sound before was booming and loud NC was really good now they are the total opposite sound is lower even on full maximum and NC has taken a massive hit. Not what it used to be and connective problems all over the place. One pod will work one won’t etc etc. Do I have a right to send them to Apple or not? I would like to know. Far from impressed at this price point I have gone back to my beats x as the pros are all over the place at the moment. Also forget to mention I get fuzzy noises in one airpod also totally unacceptable.
I very rarely use ANC, which does cause a pressure build up sensation in my sinus areas, so can’t comment on that but I do strongly feel that Transparency mode, the mode I use about 99% of the time has been compromised as well in the latest update (2C54). Used To feel like I wasn’t wearing anything in my ears but now ambient sounds seem more muffled than when I first got them. I’m having to ask people to repeat themselves more, with no music playing. Mainly use the AirPods for hands free calls, texts and Siri requests.
I was in NYC where all Apple Stores ran out of Airpods Pro.
LUCKILY! I found a best buy store which had 5 pieces on the stock and managed to get a pair.
I am on the last FW 2588 but I am not feeling the sound quality as the airpods 1 which I have.
I am not sure why the rave about the better sound because bass is less loud, highs are less clear and mids are all over the place.
I tried all versions with ANC on, off and transparency.
Hoping for a release that fixes the audio quality.
And yes the pressure is real. I have chronic sinusitis and any pressure in the ears affects me instantly. However, the pressure is annoying me only when there is nothing playing in the speakers - if some sound is being played it’s fine.
The sound on the Pros is not booming for me - doesn’t sound bad but airpods v1 sound better and clearer for me.
LUCKILY! I found a best buy store which had 5 pieces on the stock and managed to get a pair.
I am on the last FW 2588 but I am not feeling the sound quality as the airpods 1 which I have.
I am not sure why the rave about the better sound because bass is less loud, highs are less clear and mids are all over the place.
I tried all versions with ANC on, off and transparency.
Hoping for a release that fixes the audio quality.
And yes the pressure is real. I have chronic sinusitis and any pressure in the ears affects me instantly. However, the pressure is annoying me only when there is nothing playing in the speakers - if some sound is being played it’s fine.
The sound on the Pros is not booming for me - doesn’t sound bad but airpods v1 sound better and clearer for me.
Sound is subjective. And not just opinion but shape of ear. Air pod pro’s have double the bass of air pods for me. But what isn’t subjective is that the ANC is not functioning as well as it used to. I just want it fixed soon.