AirPods Pro firmware 2B588 reduce the noise cancelling capability

Hi kellyNYC, 2B588 is the one that changed the ANC. So you have not gotten a chance to experience what the ANC really was like on the older firmware 2B584... It was much more powerful then.

But since yours is currently 2B588, try connecting them to your iPhone, put them in their case and plug them into power (Lightning port) and see if they will update to 2C54... When they do, see if you notice any difference with the ANC.

I just updated my rep with my info. I want to include it here for reference so others may send their rep similar information and maybe use it as a template. I'll redact personal info.

Hello [Rep],

Thank you. The old AirPods have been sent back with TNT (FedEx) tracking here: [redacted]

Please make sure that the credit card charge comes off for the hold, thanks.

Also I do want to inform you that (as I expected), even though I received new hardware, I still have the same issue with the noise canceling as it is running firmware 2B588 which started the Noise Canceling problem for everyone to begin with. 

Please reference the Apple Community forum that now has 1,900 people confirmed with the same issue with 2B588 and 25,000 views. All people who have received new hardware have received it running 2B588 already and confirmed they also still have the problem. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250887615

This issue is firmware based and Engineering must be made aware of it. The Verge and MacRumors have already posted stories and RTINGS have re-tested their AirPods from the stock 2B584 firmware to the (now pulled) 2C54 firmware citing that ANC levels are dramatically reduced especially at the bass-level. Please have Apple's Engineering and Dev team be made aware of this (again) and have them work on some form of firmware fix (or iOS update that will allow ANC levels to be controlled as has been highly suggested if this was an intentional change. 

Verge article https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/17/21069953/apple-airpods-pro-noise-cancellation-problems-firmware-2b588-2c54  

MacRumors article https://www.macrumors.com/2020/01/13/airpods-pro-2c54-firmware-noise-canceling/

RTINGS confirming that ANC levels are reduced from stock shipping firmware (2B584): RTINGS article https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-pro-truly-wireless 

They discussed any noticed changes thoroughly but the main part with the issue is this: "we retested the headphones and our results showed a fairly significant drop in isolation performance, primarily in the bass-range. This means that with ANC turned on, these headphones won't do nearly as good a job blocking out the low engine rumbles of planes or buses as they did before this update. This review reflects these changes."

Please forward this along. I appreciate it. I haven't tested the wireless-charging but my previous AirPods and one before them (I swapped out before) couldn't charge wirelessly either and I doubt these will work too -- both the Apple-sold Belkin and mophie wireless Qi chargers do NOT work with the Pros. Apple and Belkin confirmed this as well... too many issues...

Thanks.

I bought my APPs 17th of Nov, delivered with 2B576. Almost instantly updated to 2B584, then 2B588 a little later.

In Desember I got the 2C54 update. Almost 4 months ago. This firmware

got pulled just a couple of days after. Since that, no info or new

update.

Early I noticed:

- Noticably less bass with ANC/Transparency mode turned OFF.

- "High frequency warble" with ANC ON

- Distortion (especially in the left bud) when talking on the phone with ANC/Transparency ON

- ANC noticably weaker

- Just yellow (Adjust or try a different ear tip) with the Ear tip fit test

I have talked to Apple a couple of times, and finally I was offered a

replacement solution. Had to "pay" (reserved on my account) about $200,

which I get back when they have received the old ones.

Received the replacements today, with firmware 2B588, and OMG!

Ear fit test is green, ANC is better, sound is better, more bass and

even bass with ANC OFF is good, no distortion from my own voice with

phone calls.

I still experience the "high freq. warble" with movements (either

walking or chewing for ex), but I think that is because with the

silicone tips are moving a little in my ears. And then the adaptive eq

in the buds are making this warble?! Hopefully the Comply Foam tips will

help for this, when they are released.

This is embarrasing for Apple! Almost 4 months since the 2C54 ruined my (and I guess a lot of others') APPs.

Well after seeing this after my post earlier I tried chat -

1 hour later to one person, she said she can't help me and I would have to call; I was about to cry.

Called, spoke to a nice woman who said she was a supervisor, explained everything to her and 26 minutes later I am getting replacements for both ears sent to me, there is a hold on my card but I can't wait to get off 2C54.

Roll on this new Firmware if it ever gets released that might fix our issues.

Ok guys. I don’t want to sound excited but after months. I think. I think I’m golden.

So I had 2B588 ruin my life like many and the ANC died.

but also, I think this is linked, in “off” mode (no ANC no transparency) mine sounded garbage. Utterly garbage. No bass. Like listening underwater or in a tunnel.

and sometimes with ANC on, or transparency on, if I spoke too loudly I’d get digital squeal very loud in my ear, not high pitched.

I finally got round to ACare replacing them today and the replacement arrived. Both AirPods replaced.

move just let them update to 2D27 as they arrived on 2D17. I, as close as possible, side by side tested and it’s night and day difference.

when set to “off” they don’t sound garbage. And with ANC “on” I think that they’re close to what I experienced on demo models at launch.

I encourage you if yours sound like underwater almost when the ANC is off, even after a full reset (hold past white to orange flash) to get in touch with Apple.

honestly I didn’t believe it until I just got these replacements. There was definitely something off with my hardware. These are still 1.0.0

literally I can not describe in words the difference when “off” between my old and replaced set on the same firmware.

the ANC , I don’t know. It’s better by miles than 2B588. Is it as good as launch? Not sure.

is it good enough for me personally now? Yeah.

I hope this helps someone if theirs sound like garbage in off mode there might be a hardware issue.

AC still asking about bass issues at the replacement question stage

I believe there's no downgrade path. If your's was updated while 2C54 was the "current'" release, then you're stuck. You'd have to talk to apple support or apple store rep and make your case to replace yours with a new pair. They'll give you one that's likely on the previous release. Since Apple removed the 2C54, it won't auto-update to it.

Big article on The Verge's front page now:

https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/17/21069953/apple-airpods-pro-noise-cancellation-problems-firmware-2b588-2c54

Im Brazilian and I’ve just chatted with the local Support. Since AirPods Pro were released here just two weeks ago, I though they wouldn’t know much about this problem, but the guy who supported me told they’re already aware of this issue and that Apple’s working on a solution.

A guy on macrumors reported that the noise cancelling on his AirPods that were on 2B588 failed and so he had them exchanged for a new set that were also on 2B588 and those were perfect.. So he doesn’t think it is firmware and he thinks it’s hardware.

Other users on macrumors have said that the noise cancelling issue can be illuminated by sucking on the grills. Apparently if you suck on the grills, it cleanses them and the vents behind the grills can then start to operate properly.

That doesn’t sound like firmware issues to me

Just to add one more post to the story. I got my AirPods Pro in November 2019 with presumably the original firmware.

In December/January i wondered why the ANC has gotten worse and i found the news online with the 2b588/2C54 firmware issues.

I am currently on 2C54 and i can confirm that the ANC is basically useless, unless you turn the volume way up.

My appointment with a seller at the Apple Store in Germany did not change anything. In fact, he never heard of this issue before, checked his iPad for internal Information from Apple and found a note in which was stated, that it is a known issue and that Apple is working on a fix., no information on when a new firmware Update will happen.

Come on Apple, it has been already two months, please update the firmware and restore the ANC capabilities.

Serpenthawk wrote:

If you didn’t have 2B584 then abstain from posting....please

I actually agree with this... Unless you had some form of ANC change between another shipping firmware and 2C54...

The issue is very simple:

2B584 is the firmware most of us had our AirPods Pro ship with in Nov. The next update to 2B588 ruined the ANC and this carried over into 2C54 -- which was pulled from Apple Servers.

My update is that Apple does wish to collect my AirPods and send me a new set (I assume they will be on 2B588 instead of 2C54). I'm waiting for this process to occur. I don't want to send mine in and wait for new ones to come so they said they can put a temporary hold on my credit card while the send the new ones and then refund it once I mail out the old ones... But I told them it's still likely the firmware and the rep pretty much agreed but said Engineering would still be interested in taking a look at it (esp since I have provided so much info and data or whatever)...

Going on two months now.

I have had a similar problem with reduced ANC since the firmware update and have been patiently waiting for an updated firmware from Apple to fix the issue - eventually got fed up with waiting and contacted Apple support via live chat. After going through all the things they suggested they admitted they were aware of an issue quoting:

"Apple has been made aware of the issue. At this time, Apple Engineers are working hard to find a resolution for the issue. The resolution may come in the form of an update or steps that may resolve the issue so that ANC is back to working efficiently.

At this time, there is no way of reverting back to the previous firmware version.

Yes, I definitely understand how important it is that your AirPods Pro work as expected because they are really expensive. Please know that Apple’s Engineers are working really hard to find a resolution for the issue. You can also provide feedback by going to www.apple.com/feedback about the issue as well." So we'll just have to wait a bit longer to see if they fix it.

It is black and white.

The 2B588 firmware changed the ANC settings for all AirPods Pro. There is not a single person on this forum or on Reddit or any other portal site that had the former 2B584 firmware (or prior) that did not notice this change when upgrading.

The only people who did not notice the change were people whose AirPods Pro came with 2B588 so they have no baseline comparison.

Further, 2C54 created more issues, was pulled, and many of us had our 2C54 bugged Pros swapped with new 2B588 models -- they sound and function better than then bugged 2C54 versions but still have the same settings for ANC as before.

Apple has been prepping their new Over the Ear Headphones since at least December. Latest iOS leaks have already shown the new product (mods: I am just reiterating news).

I imagine when these products are announced and release, there will be an iOS update and a firmware update.

But I am convinced that this was an intentional change and either it will stay the same or we will get customizability in a future update. It is clearly not going back to 2B584's levels.

Shanesnh wrote:

Yeah sadly this company doesn't acknowledge any problems anymore and thinks they are infallible. Even for bigger issues that are happening with the iPhone/iPad and APPs as well. I'm sick of it. Might be time to get an S20 Ultra.

The new firmware 2D27 completely restored mine back to normal. Reading this thread and I can't believe how negative you are. This is why I got rid of my horrible Samsungs and went this direction - Actual company support. Patience is a virtue.