Key Takeaways
- AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) have up to six listening modes, including ANC, Transparency, and Adaptive Noise Control.
- ANC blocks out outside noise, while transparency keeps you alert. ANC and transparency are adjustable.
- Adaptive Noise Control combines ANC with transparency, while Spatial Audio provides 3D surround sound.
Apple’s products are, for the most part, pretty intuitive, especially for those of us who can’t remember a time when we operated without Apple devices, or smartphones in general, and who are familiar with the conventions. And while Apple’s iconic AirPods are easy to pair, charge, and use, the wireless earbuds do have multiple listening modes you can take advantage of.
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In fact, AirPods can have up to six main modes depending on which model you buy. Currently, all of them are available only on the second-generation AirPods Pro 2. Read on to find out more.
1 Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Block out the outside world with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max
ANC is probably the most discussed feature of wireless earbuds and is pretty much self-explanatory, but it’s worth mentioning. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a technology that cancels or reduces many external noises, including fans, gym equipment, and jet engines. It improves overall listening clarity and is almost a must-have for weightlifters and people who travel a lot. But be careful about when you switch it on; if you’re surrounded by car and bike traffic, you could be at risk of getting into an accident.
All forms of ANC (on Apple devices) are currently supported on AirPods Pro (all generations) Airpods Max The Max has a dedicated noise control button for switching ANC modes, while the Pro does the same by pressing and holding the stem. iPad for example, Control CenterTap and hold Volume sliderSelect Noise Control View your ANC options.
2 Transparent Mode
Stay safe with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max
If you want to hear what’s going on around you without having to stop the audio or take your AirPods off, Transparency Mode can help. There’s also a more complicated version of this technology, which we’ll talk about later, but this one is available to all AirPods Pro and Max users. It doesn’t discriminate, and it lets in all sound, no matter how loud or repeated it is. You can toggle Transparency Mode just like regular noise cancellation.
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As a point of etiquette, while it’s often possible to have a conversation with Transparency enabled, this isn’t always the case, and some people consider it rude to leave their headphones on. When talking to someone, it’s best to remove your AirPods unless it’s a short interaction or you have no other choice.
3 Adaptive Noise Control
So can second-generation AirPods Pro owners get the best of both worlds?
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this is, 2nd Generation AirPods Pro The company says the headphones will offer owners a combination of full noise cancellation and Transparency mode. For example, you can have ANC at its max when you’re walking down a noisy Manhattan street, then let in more ambient sound when you go indoors. It’s a “set it and forget it” mode, but results will vary depending on usage. Expect Apple to continue improving the technology, and assume you’ll need to use Transparency mode if you’re in danger of being hit by a car.
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Actually enabling Adaptive Noise Control is a pain; it’s only available on iPhone or iPad, setting Open the app and select AirPods Adaptive under Noise Control.
4 Personalized Volume
Make the audio audible
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When enabled, personalized volume will raise or lower your levels based on the sounds around you. In some cases, this may be enough to hear everything clearly, but some environments may require you to keep noise cancelling on.
Like Adaptive Noise Control, this feature is limited to second-generation AirPods Pro and must be turned on via the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
5 Speech Recognition
Stay up to date with 2nd Generation AirPods Pro 2
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If you like to keep your AirPods in during conversations (taking them on and off can be a pain, especially when your hands are full) or use them like a hearing aid, speech recognition can automatically lower the volume of your media and amplify outside voices. But it’s limited to the second-generation AirPods Pro 2, and it has some major issues that only work if: you When you start speaking, you may miss a few words if someone else starts speaking first.
To turn on Speech Recognition, Control Center On your paired iPhone or iPad, Volume slider, And hit Speech Recognition.
6 Spatial Audio/Stereo Spatialization
Maximize immersion
If your media is mixed for Apple Spatial Audio or Dolby Atmos, you can turn this on for 3D surround sound. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Vision Pro. On iPhone or iPad, Spatial Audio Tap and hold Volume slider in Control CenterTap the appropriate button. Repaired and Head Tracking Panning. In most cases, we recommend using the former, but head tracking can also be used Apple TV or Vision Pro .
If your media is mixed in stereo only, Spatializing Stereo Try this method instead. This method can be hit or miss; while it often adds dimension to your music, it can also have strange results, such as emphasizing (or de-emphasizing) the wrong instruments or voices. If you’re looking for consistent, thumping bass, avoid this completely while working out.
Luckily, both versions of this feature are available on most AirPods, with the only exceptions being the basic first and second generation AirPods.
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