# Upgrades in AirPods Pro with iOS 18: An In-Depth Examination
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple has rolled out a range of thrilling new functionalities for AirPods Pro, amplifying their performance and user engagement. From novel head gestures to enhanced audio clarity for gaming, these modifications aim to make your listening journey more seamless and enjoyable. Below, we explore the major features unveiled in iOS 18 and how to effectively utilize them.
## New AirPods Features: Head Gestures
**Applicable to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4**
A key highlight in iOS 18 is the addition of head gestures, which allows users to engage with Siri and handle notifications without using their hands. This feature is particularly advantageous for individuals who often find themselves on calls or receiving messages while in motion.
### How to Use Head Gestures:
– **Accept a call or respond to notifications:** Nod your head up and down.
– **Refuse a call or ignore notifications:** Shake your head side to side.
To activate head gestures, ensure that “Announce Calls” and “Announce Notifications” are enabled in your settings. Here’s how to set it up:
1. Pair your AirPods with your iPhone and open the Settings application.
2. Tap on your AirPods at the top of the display.
3. Scroll down and choose “Head Gestures.”
4. Enable the feature and personalize the gestures for accepting/replying and declining/dismissing.
## Voice Isolation
**Applicable to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4**
Voice Isolation is another major upgrade that enhances call clarity in loud surroundings. Leveraging machine learning alongside the sophisticated H2 chip, this capability isolates the caller’s voice, guaranteeing clarity even in noisy environments.
### How to Activate Voice Isolation:
1. During a call, swipe down from the upper part of your display to reach the Control Center.
2. Tap the “Controls” button located at the top.
3. Choose “Voice Isolation” to turn it on.
## Gaming Enhancements
**Applicable to AirPods 3, AirPods 4, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max**
iOS 18 has also improved gaming support by introducing Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This feature elevates the gaming experience by delivering immersive audio specifically tailored to your unique ear shape.
### Configuring Personalized Spatial Audio:
1. Launch the Settings app and go to your AirPods settings.
2. Scroll to “Personalized Spatial Audio” and adhere to the setup instructions, which include a Face ID-style scan of your ears.
Furthermore, iOS 18 boosts voice quality for in-game communication, supporting 16-bit, 48kHz audio, and minimizing latency for AirPods Pro 2 users.
## Custom Adaptive Audio
**Applicable to AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation**
The Adaptive Audio feature has undergone improvements in iOS 18, granting users the ability to fine-tune the equilibrium between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode according to their preferences.
### Customizing Adaptive Audio:
1. With your AirPods connected, open the Settings app and select your AirPods.
2. Scroll to “Adaptive Audio.”
3. Use the slider to select “Less Noise” or “More Noise” based on your surroundings.
## Hearing Health Features
**Applicable to AirPods Pro 2**
Apple has introduced new hearing health functionalities for the AirPods Pro 2, allowing users to conduct a hearing test and utilize their AirPods as a hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing impairment.
### Key Advantages:
– The customized hearing profile is automatically applied across all audio experiences, encompassing music, films, and calls.
– This software-driven hearing aid feature makes hearing support more accessible and cost-effective.
## Conclusion
The upgrades brought by iOS 18 greatly enhance the AirPods Pro experience, rendering them more adaptable and user-friendly. Whether you’re leveraging head gestures for smooth interaction, relishing improved audio quality during gaming, or taking advantage of the new hearing health capabilities, these updates highlight Apple’s dedication to innovation and user satisfaction. For those seeking to maximize their AirPods experience, exploring these features is essential.
