AirPods Pro users report poor noise cancellation after software updates
What's the story
Some AirPods Pro users are experiencing degraded noise cancellation performance, which seems to have become more noticeable with subsequent firmware updates. The problem can be traced back to firmware version 2B588 released in November, and it has become all the more noticeable after the 2C54 update, which Apple later pulled for undisclosed reasons. Here's more to know.
No sideloading
AirPods firmware update process completely invisible to customers
Unfortunately, users have no control over AirPods firmware updates since the entire process is invisible. The software update is automatically delivered when you put the AirPods on charge and keep them near a paired Apple device. Hence, even if you are on an affected firmware version, there is no way for you to revert to an older version or force a new update.
Information
Here's how to check the firmware version of your AirPods
You can view the firmware version of your AirPods under your iPhone or iPad settings when they're connected. To check, open Settings > General > About, and if your AirPods are connected, you should see "AirPods" options beneath the SEID button.
Speculations
Apple could have reduced ANC to alleviate associated side effects
While Apple hasn't responded to these user complaints yet, it is being speculated that the company could have reduced the maximum level of noise-canceling ever so slightly to alleviate associated ill-effects such as discomfort or dizziness that may happen due to noise cancellation technology. Notably, Apple doesn't offer adjustable ANC levels, and users can only toggle between off or fully cranked up noise-canceling.
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Owners of Bose, Sony headphones have also reported similar concerns
The speculation that a software update has degraded noise cancellation is not exclusive to Apple AirPods Pro. In the recent past, users of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony 1000XM3 headphones have also reported similar ANC issues.