- Apple introduces Adaptive Audio feature for AirPods Pro 2
- Adaptive Audio blends Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation
- Step-by-step guide to install the AirPods Pro 2 beta
Apple unveiled its exciting new Adaptive Audio feature for AirPods Pro 2 in June that blends its Adaptive Transparency with Active Noise Cancellation and more. However, testing out the feature is a bit trickier than just installing the iOS 17 beta. Here’s how to install the AirPods beta to try out the great new capabilities.
As a refresher, here’s how Apple describes the new feature for AirPods Pro 2 (all other AirPods are not getting this feature, not even AirPods Max):
Adaptive Audio dynamically blends Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation to tailor the noise control experience as you move between changing environments and interactions throughout the day.
Also included with the new feature are two more capabilities called Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume. My 9to5Mac teammates and I have been testing out the feature and we’ve all been really impressed. Adaptive Audio offers a super smooth automatic transition between noise cancellation, transparency, and lowering/raising volume that feels magical.
But as it happens, you don’t automatically get the AirPods Pro beta when you install the iOS 17 developer beta on your iPhone (there are a few more steps to the process). And it’s not available at all with the iOS 17 public beta. But fortunately, Apple has made all the tools available to anyone with an Apple ID to try the AirPods Pro 2 beta with free Apple Developer account access.
Remember the major new feature in this beta, Adaptive Audio, is only available with AirPods Pro 2 and with this being a developer beta, install it at your own risk. Here’s how the process looks to install AirPods beta:
- To start, you’ll need the iOS 17 developer beta on your iPhone (full guide here)
- Head to Apple’s Developer website on your Mac (Ventura 13.3 or later) and log in with your Apple ID for free
- Under Program Resources, look on the right side and choose Software Downloads
- In the top right corner, click Applications
- Under Xcode 15 beta, choose View Downloads
- Now click View Details, you can uncheck iOS 17
- Click the blue download button Xcode 15 beta and Selected Platforms
- When downloaded, open the Xcode_15_beta.xip file
- Now open Xcode 15 beta
- Plug in your iPhone that’s running iOS 17 to your Mac
- On your iPhone, open the Settings app
- Choose Privacy & Security > swipe to the bottom and tap Developer Mode
- Toggle it on and follow the process to restart your iPhone
- After it reboots, make sure to tap Turn On
- Now head back to Settings on iPhone > choose Developer (under TV Provider)
- Swipe to the bottom and under AirPods Testing tap Pre-Release Beta Firmware
- Tap the toggle next to your AirPods Pro 2
Unfortunately, you can’t force install the AirPods beta update, but you can check when it auto-installs by heading to Bluetooth or the top of iOS Settings > tap your AirPods Pro 2. You’ll know you have the beta when AirPods Pro 2 updates from 5E135 to build 6A238h or 6A262d (mine took about 30 minutes to auto-install).
When that’s done, you can read our guide on how to turn on Adaptive Audio and how it works in this guide.
Thanks for reading our guide on how to install AirPods beta!
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