New features for the AirPods Pro should arrive after the release of iOS 18 and will be available on both the first- and second-generation models.
🗺 Head gestures to interact with Siri
This feature will allow users to answer or decline calls with a simple nod or shake of the head. Additionally, Siri Interactions will enable users to handle calls, messages, notifications, and more, all without speaking.
💨 Voice isolation for better calling
Apple's iPhones have a calling feature that makes the user's voice clearer to the person they're speaking to, even in a noisy environment. With iOS 18, Apple is adding Voice Isolation to the AirPods Pro to reduce loud background sounds. Typically, the microphones on AirPods Pro pick up a wide range of environmental sounds, such as wind around the caller. However, with Voice Isolation, machine learning will identify these sounds, block out ambient noise and prioritise your voice for clearer communication.
🎮 Personalized Spatial Audio for gaming
This feature will offer the immersive audio experience customers enjoy while listening to music or watching movies and shows. Additionally, game developers can integrate spatial audio into their games for a more immersive audio experience.
🔉 More control over Adaptive Audio Control
Second-generation AirPods Pro feature Adaptive Audio, known as Adaptive Noise Control, which adjusts sound and active noise cancellation based on your environment. Currently, Adaptive Audio is an all-or-nothing setting, but Apple may introduce a "Customize Adaptive Audio" menu that may allow users to fine-tune the setting to permit more or less noise.
🦻Hearing Aid mode for improved accessibility
AirPods Pro may receive a new "hearing aid mode" with the release of iOS 18 later this year. While AirPods Pro already include a Conversation Boost feature that enhance the volume and clarity of voices directly in front of the wearer, Apple has not yet marketed the earbuds as a hearing aid device.