One of the new features announced with the second-generation AirPods Pro is “Adaptive Transparency,” which takes Transparency Mode to the next level by minimizing certain sounds while still allowing users to hear what’s important around them. However, with the release of iOS 16.1 beta 3, those with first-generation AirPods Pro also see this option in the iOS Settings app.
Adaptive transparency for first generation AirPods Pro
For those unfamiliar, transparency mode is a feature available on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max that uses the built-in microphones to allow users to hear the world around them without having to take off the headphones.
Apple says adaptive transparency in AirPods Pro 2 it uses the new H2 chip (which isn’t available in any other AirPods) to “minimize the volume of loud noises like sirens or power tools.” But for some reason, users who have updated their devices to iOS 16.1 beta 3 (released this week to developers) can now enable Adaptive Transparency for old AirPods Pro.
As noted by some users on Reddit, the latest iOS beta also comes with a new AirPods beta firmware (build 5A304a) that enables adaptive transparency for first-generation AirPods Pro. However, it’s unclear at this point if the feature actually works or if it’s just a bug.
In the past, Apple has accidentally enabled options in iOS that shouldn’t be visible to everyone, so this could be the case for owners of the original AirPods Pro who see Adaptive Transparency in the Settings app. We should probably wait until more users try and compare the new option to see if it actually works.
The second-generation AirPods Pro cost $249 in the United States, but you can find it (or even the first generation AirPods Pro) for lower prices on Amazon.
More about iOS 16.1
iOS 16.1 enables battery percentage for more iPhone models, including iPhone 11 and iPhone 13 mini. Apple has tweaked the battery indicator so that it now has a dynamic icon when the percentage is enabled.
The update also adds a Clean Energy Charging option, Live Activities API, early support for the Matter protocol, and the option to delete the Wallet app. For iPad users, today’s iPadOS 16.1 beta brings Stage Manager for older iPad Pro models with the A12X and A12Z chips.
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