Apple’s Adaptive Transparency feature for the AirPods Pro 2, which allows the AirPods Pro 2 to automatically adjust to loud noises and minimize their intensity, briefly seemed to be destined for older audio accessories, too. However, the latest iOS 16.1 developer beta suggests Adaptive Transparency won’t come to your AirPods Max or first-generation AirPods Pro.
Per iOS 16.1 developer beta 3, some owners of the first-generation AirPods Pro and AirPods Max units noticed a new toggle for the Adaptive Transparency setting, and thought they’d be able to enable the feature.
Unfortunately, this may not be the case.
Transparency Mode uses the microphones in the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max to let users hear the world around them without taking off the headphones. The problem with such a feature is that loud noises, like sirens or power tools, could be amplified.
Through the feature, the firmware automatically adjusts the volume to account for these loud sounds. When the option surfaced for older accessories, it proved to be a bug. Apple has even specified that the feature relies on the H2 chip for its functionality, something the older AirPods Pro and the AirPods Max lack.
If you want to use Adaptive Transparency, you’ll just have to upgrade your earphones to the newer AirPods Pro 2. The new unit retails for $249 in the U.S. from Apple.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via The Mac Observer