Apple’s recent AirPods Pro firmware update may have backfired a bit.
The version 2C54 firmware update, which Apple released on December 16th, 2019, was meant to improve the audio quality overall, but seems to have reduced the ability to block some ambient noise at lower frequencies.
Per audio review site Rtins, a new round of tests designed to evaluate the AirPods with the 2C54 firmware update installed found the following complaint:
“After updating to Firmware [2C54], we retested the headphones and our results showed a fairly significant drop in isolation performance, primarily in the bass-range. This means that with ANC turned on, these headphones won’t do nearly as good a job blocking out the low engine rumbles of planes or buses as they did before this update. This review reflects these changes.”
The reduction in isolation has been directly attributed in Apple’s attempt to increase audio quality, and more specifically bass accuracy. Rtings also reflected this change saying that the result “showed a fairly significant improvement to bass accuracy.”
2C54 update was pulled quickly after release for reasons that have yet to be made public, but followed a number of user complaints about the different in the Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC). It’s unknown how many users were affected by the update.
The AirPods Pro select the high end of Apple’s truly wireless earphones. Released in September 2019, they debuted as an upgrade path from the existing second generation AirPods, rather than acting as a replacement. AirPods Pro offered Active Noise Cancelling and changeable ear tips for a premium $250 price tag.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and Rtings