If you’re rocking the iOS 18 beta and happen to own a pair of AirPods Pro 2, you’re in for a treat! Firmware 7A294 has just dropped, and it’s packed with some awesome new features, especially for those who love hands-free interaction.
One of the standout additions is the ability to respond to Siri announcements with simple head gestures. No more fumbling for your phone to confirm or decline. Simply nod your head for a ‘yes’ or shake it for a ‘no’. You’ll be guided through the setup process with a few easy-to-follow dialog boxes.
Using these head gestures is a breeze. For example, if Siri asks if you want to accept an incoming call, a simple nod will confirm your acceptance, while shaking your head from side to side will decline the call. You’ll hear a tone moving from ear to ear as you perform the gesture, providing a clear confirmation that the feature is working.
The settings menu for your AirPods Pro 2 allows you to customize the head gestures. You can choose whether nodding signifies a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’, offering flexibility for users with limited movement.
Beyond the head gesture magic, the firmware update also brings Voice Isolation to phone calls, ensuring crystal-clear communication by eliminating background noise. Gamers will appreciate the improved latency and enhanced audio bit rate, making for a more immersive gaming experience. The update also refines the Personalized Volume feature, providing a more personalized audio experience.
While the latest AirPods Pro 2 features are exciting, Apple is keeping users on the edge of their seats with the promise of new hearing aid features in the future. It remains to be seen if these features will make their way to other AirPods models, including the recently released AirPods 4 and the not-so-new AirPods Max.
