Users of Apple’s AirPods will be glad to know that the company has simplified the iOS 16 headphone settings page. This is just one of many new features and improvements expected in iOS 16. In June, at the Worldwide Developers Conference, the tech giant made the initial announcement of the forthcoming software upgrade. Although it won’t be available to everyone until later this fall. The public and developer betas have provided some insight into the alterations. Some of Apple’s updates are minor and aren’t mentioned in the company’s keynotes or release notes, although the company frequently does. One of the most practical examples is the updated settings for AirPods, which the business hasn’t formally announced.
The AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) to give them their full name, are an improvement upon Apple’s first-generation flagship noise-canceling headphones in every way. They now have a longer battery life of 6 hours on a single charge, up from 4.5 hours. The case is now IPX4-rated as well, joining the earphones in waterproofing. The case can be charged wirelessly with an Apple Watch charger and features a built-in microphone for easy lost-item retrieval. Numerous minor but significant design adjustments exist.
Apple’s new bespoke amp and driver improve low and high-frequency response. The TrueDepth camera on the iPhone can create a personalized spatial audio experience, allowing you to enjoy the greatest Dolby Atmos sound in your choice of earbuds. The noise cancellation here is among the greatest we’ve ever tested, and it’s double what the previous generation of AirPods Pro gave.
1# Design
It may be difficult to differentiate between the original AirPods Pro and the newer model at first, but you can tell them apart after some time using both sets of headphones.
The most noticeable differences are the built-in speaker on the case, visible every time you check the charging port, and the new loop hook for a lanyard. These aren’t ground-breaking redesigns by any stretch of the imagination, but they did keep me from accidentally picking up the wrong AirPods when I had two sets lying next to each other.
However, when you hold them in your hands, there is little discernible difference in size or weight between the two earbuds. The dimensions of the original AirPods Pro were 1.2 x 0.9 x 0.9 inches. In contrast, the dimensions of the new AirPods Pro 2 are 1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94 inches, which is to say, there is a very small numerical difference but no discernible change in size.
With iOS 16, adjusting your AirPods settings on your iPhone or iPad is a breeze. A new option for managing your AirPods appears in the Settings menu. In a nutshell, it allows for easy personalization of AirPods’ settings and functions.
2# Comfort
If you’re using the original or second-generation AirPods, you’ll immediately notice how comfy the Pro 2 models are.
The AirPods Pro 2 are more comfortable than the original AirPods because they retain the original’s soft silicon tips rather than switching to a plastic casing. As opposed to expanding the ear canal to make room for the hard plastic housing, the silicone tips are soft and flexible, so they fit snugly in the ear. In practice, you may avoid removing the earbuds for much longer, making them suitable for daily use.
3# Controls
The inability to adjust the volume on the earphones was a major flaw of the first generation of AirPods Pro that was hardly mentioned. To adjust the volume, you may ask Siri politely or take your phone out of your pocket.
As the new AirPods Pro 2 has enhanced touch capabilities, you can just swipe up or down on the stems to adjust the volume. In addition to adjusting the level, the earbuds may be tapped once to play/pause the music, twice to skip forward, or three times to rewind tracks, and held for an additional second to enable active noise cancellation.
iOS 16: Accessing the AirPods Settings
- In iOS 16, all you need to do to access the AirPods settings.
- Launch the Configuration Utility and look under the Apple ID heading.
- The AirPods icon should now be accompanied by a new menu labelled AirPods [model] [name]. If you tap this button, the AirPods’ configuration menu will open.
Setting up Your AirPods with iOS 16
If you’ve recently purchased a set of AirPods and are looking to tweak its sound. You should know that a number of important settings can adjust in conjunction with an iPhone.
It is important to note that the most recent significant iOS software update has slightly altered the path to the AirPods settings on the iPhone. In iOS 16, when you connect your AirPods, a new tap-through settings menu displays at the very top of the Settings app. Right below the banner displaying your Apple ID.
The following information displayed in the AirPods Pro settings menu:
- The percentage of remaining power for the AirPods and their charging case.
- You may give your AirPods any name you like.
- Choices for Reducing Noise Levels: With noise cancellation turned off, the transparent mode is activated.
- You can perform different actions with the left and right AirPod by pressing and holding the respective button. (You have the option of using either Siri or Noise Control.)
- Try-In for Ear Plugs
- A switch for automatic ear detection.
- Automatically Reconnect to This iPhone (Based on Last Time Connected)
- See and Hear How It Works with Customized Spatial Audio
- Microphone
- Battery Charging (On/Off) Efficiency Improvements
- Turn My Network Search On or Off
- Participate in Discover My Accessibility: Variable Press Rate, Press and Hold Time,
- Adjustable Noise Reduction, Customizable Playback Volume, and Other Audio
- Accessibility Options. Observe the iPhone
- Inquire about: Make, Model, Serial Number, and Release.
- Guarantee (Expiration Date)
- Disconnect
- Forget This Device
This menu of choices was a little more buried in prior iOS versions; you had to navigate to Settings > Bluetooth > the encircled I sign on the right to access it. Even though you may still access your AirPods’ settings in this way, there are other options available.
The Final Words
Here is where you’ll go to establish a connection and tweak your preferences. The original AirPods Pro is still great and should keep if you have them. But the AirPods Pro 2 are well worth the price for new purchasers and those in need of a replacement. These truly wireless earbuds are practically flawless, but we can’t give them our top rating due to a few nitpicks. These represent Apple’s peak in headphones. They’re perfect for anyone with an iPhone 14 who want a more personalized listening experience.
