iOS 18 adds head gestures to AirPods control and more
If you like sci-fi, you’ve probably read how writers imagine control over devices in the near future. There are options with fingers, eye movements, and even tongue and palate. Apple is slowly getting us there, it would seem: the latest iOS enables AirPods Pro 2 and the announced AirPods 4 to answer phone calls when you nod your head. This is likely the most newsworthy feature related to the headphones, but not the only one. Let’s quickly see what else the Cupertino company came up with.
AirPods Pro 2: new features in iOS 18
Head gestures. The mentioned nod takes the call, and a shake rejects it. Sometimes speaking isn’t an option, this is when the latter comes handy. The former, though, has a hidden risk of taking a call when you’re nodding to the rhythm of the tune currently played.
Voice isolation. This feature uses machine learning to minimize background noise during phone calls. It prioritizes your voice, making it clearer to the person on the other end by phasing out distractions like wind or traffic noise. What’s great is that voice isolation is purely software, i.e., it is supported by all AirPods models, not just the Pro versions.
Improved Adaptive Audio controls. Using a slider, you can now adjust how much ambient noise is let through the headphones. There are three positions to choose from, default, less noise, and more noise. A feature that’s probably best labeled as “uncommon,” it’s still a cool one in certain situations.
Immersive sound for gaming. Personalized Spatial Audio has been expanded to gaming, which means that game developers can now create more immersive audio experiences, tapping into the power of head tracking and 3D sound. This feature aims to enhance gameplay by providing better situational awareness, especially in competitive gaming scenarios.
Enhanced communication in games. The update improves voice quality during in-game chats, supporting higher audio fidelity (16-bit 48kHz). This means better communication with teammates, which is crucial for strategy coordination in multiplayer games.
These features require an update to the latest firmware, which is generally installed automatically when the AirPods are connected to a compatible device within Bluetooth range and charging. While most of these enhancements are primarily available for the AirPods Pro 2, some work with other recent AirPods models, including 3rd generation and AirPods Max, which is a generous move on the part of Apple.
And if you lose your AirPods, Apple Pencil, Apple Watch, iPhone and other devices often, get a copy of Find Device, a nifty app designed specifically as a remedy for such predicaments!
