WWDC 2024: Apple AirPods Pro unexpectedly got new features

This fall’s AirPods software update will change how users answer Siri queries, take calls from friends and family, and immerse themselves in their favorite games. The Siri Interactions feature allows AirPods Pro users to respond to Siri in private with a simple nod of the head «yes» or «no». For even clearer call quality, the AirPods Pro adds Voice Isolation, which ensures that the caller’s voice can be heard in noisy or windy environments. The AirPods updates also significantly reduce audio lag in games and add Personalized Spatial Audio for an even more immersive gaming experience.

AirPods — one of the best ways to interact with Siri on the go, and with Siri Interactions, the experience becomes even more personal, private and convenient. AirPods Pro users will be able to simply nod «yes» or slightly shake their head «no» to respond to Siri announcements, which is especially convenient in crowded or quiet places where you may not want to speak out loud. Thanks to machine learning implemented in the H2 chip, interaction with Siri will allow users to answer or reject calls, handle messages, manage notifications and more — all without words.
Since their introduction, AirPods have become a convenient way to keep in touch with friends, colleagues and loved ones. To ensure the best quality of communication no matter the environment, AirPods Pro features voice isolation, expanding on this revolutionary feature available on Mac, iPhone and iPad. Machine learning, powered by the H2 chip in AirPods Pro and paired iPhone, iPad or Mac, isolates and improves voice quality by eliminating significant background noise — such as wind around the person speaking — for the listener.

Machine learning on the H2 chip in AirPods Pro and paired iPhone, iPad or Mac isolates and improves voice quality by eliminating significant background noise — such as wind around the person speaking — for the listener.

The AirPods’ superior sound quality also makes them a great companion for gaming, and the new updates take those features even further. Personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking will be available in games for AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, delivering the immersive sound users have come to love when listening to music, watching movies and shows. With AirPods Pro, gamers get the best wireless audio latency Apple has ever delivered for mobile gaming.1 AirPods Pro users can also enjoy enhanced voice quality, including 16-bit, 48 kHz audio, when communicating with teammates and other players. To make it easier to realize the most immersive listening experience for games with advanced sound design, a developer API is now available.

An API for developers is now available.

The developer beta version of AirPods is available to Apple Developer Program members starting today. New AirPods features will be available this fall as a free firmware update. Siri interaction, voice isolation, and improved voice quality will be available in AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

The new features will be available in AirPods Pro (2nd generation).