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With iOS 16, Apple makes AirPods even better. Here are the notable new features coming to Apple’s popular earbuds and headphones this fall.
Every time Apple releases a major software update, there are hundreds of changes and features to be found. As has been the case in the past, Apple is taking this opportunity to add new features to its AirPods line.
There are two notable changes that we tested with the current developer beta. Improvements to settings and personalized Spatial Audio. Apple has also released a beta firmware for AirPods to test these changes
Settings for AirPods
Prior to iOS 16, you had to dig to get to the settings for AirPods. You should go to Settings † Bluetooth † AirPods > and tap the dude†
You couldn’t access those settings if your AirPods weren’t plugged in and it was generally a bad experience for users. Apple has added new features to AirPods over the years, making the settings more important.
New AirPods Settings
As of iOS 16, a new panel will appear just below your Apple ID when you have your AirPods plugged in. With just one tap you can access all the settings you need to perform the fit test, check the firmware or set up personalized Spatial Audio.
Personalized spatial audio
Speaking of which, personalized spatial audio is the next new feature. It uses your facial and ear topography to map the 3D audio to you. It should enhance the spatial audio effect while listening to music or videos.
Set personalized spatial audio
When you connect your AirPods after installing iOS 16, you will see a new modal appear explaining how the personalized audio works. If you ignore the modal, you can set it up by going to the AirPods settings.
Scan your ears and face for personalized spatial audio
To set it up, you need to perform three scans of your face using the TrueDepth camera system on your iPhone. With the AirPods removed from your ears, you look around you in a circle, similar to setting up Face ID.
You then repeat the same process for your left ear, as well as for your right ear, but instead of looking in a circle, you move slightly back and forth. As you scan your ears, your iPhone will beep when it’s time to move your head in the opposite direction.
Play Spatial Audio tracks in Apple Music
After testing the new personalized spatial audio, we were impressed, but couldn’t fully discern how much better it was than before. There was no quick switch to hear the standard version versus the personalized version.
Anecdotally, it seems that AirPods Pro have benefited more from this feature than AirPods Max. AirPods Max already sounded spectacular and it didn’t matter much anymore.
available soon
At the moment, iOS 16 is currently in developer beta. A public beta is expected to be released in July, before full release this fall. stay informed AppleInsider as we walk through more features for Apple’s upcoming software updates.