These are the new features coming to AirPods this year
What new features were announced for AirPods and AirPods Pro at WWDC 2024?
At WWDC 2024, Apple announced several new features for AirPods and AirPods Pro, including new ways to interact with Siri, a new Voice Isolation feature, and Personalized Spatial Audio for gaming3.
For AirPods Pro (2nd generation), users will be able to respond to Siri by shaking their head "yes" or "no," which could be particularly helpful in crowded or quiet areas where speaking out loud may not be ideal. This feature is enabled by machine learning on the H2 chip and allows users to answer or dismiss calls, interact with messages, and manage notifications without speaking.
Another addition for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is the Voice Isolation feature, which isolates and enhances voice quality while removing significant background noise for the listener. This feature is already available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad and works during FaceTime or regular phone calls.
Lastly, Apple is expanding Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for gaming. This feature will work across AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, delivering immersive audio for gaming experiences. AirPods Pro users will also have the best wireless audio latency Apple has ever delivered for mobile gaming and improved voice quality when chatting with teammates and other players.
These new features will be available this fall as a free firmware update for AirPods and AirPods Pro users.
Can you describe the new Voice Isolation feature introduced for AirPods Pro?
The new Voice Isolation feature introduced for AirPods Pro is designed to improve call quality by isolating and enhancing voice quality while removing significant background noise for the listener. This feature utilizes machine learning, which runs on the H2 chip in AirPods Pro and the paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac. By isolating and enhancing the user's voice and removing background noise, the Voice Isolation feature ensures better audio quality during calls, even in noisy environments.
How does the new Siri interaction feature work with the AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?
The new Siri interaction feature for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) allows users to respond to Siri announcements by simply nodding their head "yes" or shaking their head "no". This is particularly helpful in crowded or quiet areas where users may not want to speak out loud. Enabled by machine learning on the H2 chip, Siri Interactions also allow users to answer or dismiss calls, interact with messages, manage notifications, and more without speaking.