New 2024 AirPods Features: What You Need to Know

Apple today announced new features for its AirPods lineup, coming this fall with software updates iOS 18 and more.

Here’s an overview of the new features for AirPods according to Apple, expanding beyond their teaser at its WWDC keynote.

Siri Interactions:

• Privately respond to Siri with a head nod (yes) or shake (no) on AirPods Pro (2nd gen). This is pretty cool to use if you’re in crowds
• Interact with calls, messages, and notifications without speaking, enabled by machine learning on the H2 chip.

Voice Isolation:

• Available on AirPods Pro (2nd gen) for clearer call quality in loud or windy environments.
• Machine learning isolates and enhances the caller’s voice, removing background noise.

Personalized Spatial Audio:

• Available for AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
• Dynamic head tracking for immersive audio in games.

Reduced Audio Latency:

• Significantly lower audio latency for gaming on AirPods Pro.
• Improved voice quality for gaming chats, including 16-bit, 48kHz audio.

Developer API:

• New API available to implement immersive listening experiences in games with advanced sound design.

Availability:

• AirPods developer beta available for Apple Developer Program members.
• New features will be available as a free firmware update this fall for AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

Siri Interactions, Voice Isolation, and improved voice quality are coming to AirPods Pro (2nd gen) and not the first-get AirPods Pro.