When Apple released the AirPods Pro, it set a new standard for wireless earbuds. Renowned for their exceptional sound quality and active noise cancellation, these little marvels have won the hearts of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. However, beyond their well-known features lies a treasure trove of hidden functionalities. These features can enhance your listening experience and make your AirPods Pro even more indispensable. Let’s dive into some of these lesser-known gems that you absolutely need to know.
Customizing the Press-and-Hold Action
By default, the press-and-hold action on your AirPods Pro stems toggles between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. However, you can customize this action to suit your needs better.
Go to your iPhone’s Settings app, select Bluetooth, and tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro. Here, you can change the press-and-hold function to activate Siri instead of toggling noise control modes. This customization can make your interaction with your AirPods more intuitive and tailored to your preferences.
Enhanced Conversation Boost
Introduced with iOS 15, Conversation Boost is a feature designed to help you hear conversations more clearly in noisy environments. This feature uses the AirPods Pro’s beamforming microphones to focus on the person speaking in front of you.
To enable Conversation Boost, go to Settings, then Accessibility, and select Audio/Visual. Under Headphone Accommodations, toggle on Conversation Boost. This can be particularly useful in busy places like cafes or airports, where background noise can make it difficult to understand speech.
Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking
Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking takes your listening experience to the next level by creating an immersive, theater-like sound experience. This feature uses directional audio filters and subtle head movements to place sounds virtually anywhere in a 3D space.
To enable Spatial Audio, ensure your AirPods Pro is connected, and go to Control Center on your iPhone. Long press the volume slider, then tap the Spatial Audio icon. This feature is particularly effective when watching movies or using apps that support Spatial Audio.
Ear Tip Fit Test
One of the keys to the AirPods Pro’s superior sound quality and noise cancellation is the fit of the ear tips. To ensure you’re using the correct size, Apple provides an Ear Tip Fit Test.
To access this, connect your AirPods Pro to your iPhone and go to Settings > Bluetooth. Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro and select Ear Tip Fit Test. The test will play some sounds to determine if the ear tips create a proper seal, suggesting adjustments if needed. A proper fit not only improves sound quality but also enhances comfort and noise cancellation.
Automatic Switching Between Devices
If you own multiple Apple devices, you’ll love the automatic switching feature. This allows your AirPods Pro to seamlessly switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
To enable this feature, ensure all your devices are signed in with the same Apple ID and have Bluetooth enabled. Your AirPods Pro will automatically switch to the device you’re actively using, providing a smooth and uninterrupted audio experience. This is perfect for moving from a call on your iPhone to watching a video on your iPad without having to manually reconnect.
Battery Notifications
Keeping track of your AirPods Pro’s battery life is crucial, especially when you’re on the go. With iOS 14 and later, you can receive battery notifications on your iPhone.
When your AirPods Pro battery is low, a notification will appear on your screen, informing you of the remaining battery life. This feature helps ensure you’re never caught off guard with a dead battery during important moments.
Live Listen
Live Listen is an accessibility feature that transforms your iPhone into a remote microphone. This feature can help you hear conversations in noisy environments by amplifying the sound captured by your iPhone and transmitting it to your AirPods Pro.
To enable Live Listen, go to Settings > Control Center and add the Hearing option. Then, open Control Center and tap the Hearing icon while your AirPods Pro is connected. Place your iPhone near the source of the sound you want to hear, and it will amplify the sound directly into your AirPods.
Using Siri Shortcuts
Siri Shortcuts can greatly enhance the functionality of your AirPods Pro by allowing you to automate tasks and create custom voice commands.
For example, you can set up a Siri Shortcut to start a specific playlist, send a message, or control smart home devices. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone, tap Create Shortcut, and follow the prompts to customize your command. Once set up, you can simply say, “Hey Siri,” followed by your custom command, to perform the action hands-free.
Find My AirPods
Losing your AirPods Pro can be a nightmare, but fortunately, Apple’s Find My feature can help locate them.
Open the Find My app on your iPhone and select your AirPods Pro from the list of devices. You can play a sound to help locate them if they are nearby or view their last known location on a map. This feature provides peace of mind, knowing you can recover your expensive gadgets if misplaced.
Sound Customization with Headphone Accommodations
Headphone Accommodations allow you to customize the audio settings of your AirPods Pro to match your hearing preferences. This feature can enhance certain frequencies, making music and phone calls clearer.
To access this, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations. Here, you can adjust the audio balance, amplify soft sounds, and tweak the frequency response to your liking. This customization ensures that your AirPods Pro delivers the best possible audio experience tailored to your hearing.
Conclusion
The AirPods Pro are packed with features designed to elevate your audio experience. From customizable controls and advanced audio settings to innovative accessibility features, there’s a lot more to these wireless earbuds than meets the eye. By exploring and utilizing these hidden gems, you can get the most out of your AirPods Pro and enjoy a truly personalized and enhanced listening experience. Whether you’re a music lover, a busy professional, or someone who simply values high-quality sound, the AirPods Pro has something to offer for everyone.
