Apple’s Adaptive Audio, seen on both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), is a significant audio technological advancement. The functionality is a dynamic fusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes that provides listeners with the best imaginable listening experience depending on the environment. Wherever you happen to be, in a quiet office or in the midst of city streets noise, Adaptive Audio adjusts readily to make you hear what’s important and minimizes excessive noise.
Adaptive Audio employs AI-driven Apple algorithms to sense and respond to different environmental conditions. It is capable of identifying critical sounds, such as a car horn or a voice, and distinguishing them from ambient noises, such as wind or traffic rumble. This leads to being able to distinctly hear the honk of a car horn when walking down a busy road, but the constant hum of traffic will be significantly quieter. This blend of ANC and Transparency modes creates a more subtle and adaptive listening experience than traditional ANC or Transparency modes.
Users are able to personalize their Adaptive Audio experience by fine-tuning the level of ambient sound let into their AirPods. This is accomplished within the Settings application of an iPhone or iPad. When Adaptive Audio is active, users can go into the AirPods settings, tap on “Adaptive Audio” within the Audio section, and utilize a slider to adjust the level of ambient sound let in while in Transparency mode. This level of personalization allows listeners to adapt listening to personal preference and specific environments.
Adaptive Noise Control: This mode combines ANC and Transparency modes to actively adjust noise levels based on the environment.
Personalized Volume: Automatically adjusts the volume of media playback based on the ambient noise level.
Conversation Awareness: Automatically lowers the volume of media playback when you’re speaking to someone nearby so that you can chat without needing to remove your earbuds.
Adaptive Audio is supported by AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC, provided they are running the newest firmware and are paired with an Apple device that is running iOS 17 or later. Adaptive Audio is Apple’s broader effort to enhance the audio experience overall on Apple devices, allowing users to have a more adaptive and personalized way of listening to music, podcasts, and more.
While both AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 support Adaptive Audio, AirPods Pro 2 also offer a hearing aid functionality and a scientifically backed hearing test. This makes the AirPods Pro 2 more flexible for users with specific hearing needs. Both units, however, provide excellent sound and seamless connectivity with Apple devices.
In summary, Adaptive Audio in AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 is a colossal leap in audio tech, and it offers users a highly customizable and adaptive listening experience that adjusts based on their surroundings. Whether it’s commuting, working, or simply listening to music at home, Adaptive Audio ensures you have the best out of your listening experience.
