AirPods Pro firmware 2B588 reduce the noise cancelling capability

This is still an active issue. The only firmware update is 2D3 and it’s not out to the public. Anyone hear anything else from Apple? If we keep this thread high up in the posts and alive and keep posting our own updates, I think that would be best.

[Mods: This doesn’t violate the TOS. It is factual and asking others if they have found any new information or solutions. I am asking if anyone has anyone any new updates]

The representative did comment on how the engineers were fixing the problems with ANC and connectivity issues. It was implied that 2D3 was the fix for it. Honestly I’m unsure on how they could have messed up sending a incomplete or buggy firmware to new hardware units. The engineering team must have found a last minute issue(s) and the pods that were already manufactured with firmware 2D3 must not have been accounted for, due to factory not having the time or resources to downgrade the already made pods. The problem is that when the factory assembles the airpods, they just put the pieces together, what must have happened is that the manufacturer for the ROM chip for the pods must have sent a shipment with that firmware 2D3 and had a misunderstanding on the communication side of things. Didn’t send the preprogrammed 2B588’s, instead someone with ‘small brain’ decided to program 2D3 into the machine that programs the ROM chips. 🤣

Yes, currently creating one as we type. 1,000 people should sign it. It would be a great help. You should also speak with your local l. a. w. y. e. r. to start a c. l. a. s. s. a. c. t. i. o. n. It is recommended to do so since we have contacted apple too many times to count. Now we should have the power to make a change for once.

ANC still not fixed. Same problem and cannot hear any difference. I will immediately know when I get that feeling again whereby there is some sort of vacuum once ANC gets switched on. I am also able to hear my fingers when snapping them next to my ears. No difference in audibility when swithching between “ANC” and “Off” while snapping my fingers

I agree. No change for the better with ANC. :/

I recently got a pair of replacements with 2B588, and I actually feel that it's less effective with 2D15. :O

The changes I've noticed so far, compared to the 2C54:

• The ear fit test is green. (only yellow with 2C54)
• Bass with ANC/Transparency mode OFF, is now as powerful as with ANC/TM ON (actually marginally more bass with OFF now :O )

Otherwise everything else works fine. Sound is ok (I think sound/bass is a bit fuller overall?).

Finished updating to 2D15 and noise cancellation is still unusable. Clicks and crackles any time I move my head and also warps my voice when I try speak. This only happens on ANC and transparency modes. With ANC turned off it works just fine. Last time I took it in the repair technician made out as if he couldn't hear any problem. It's gotten even worse now so will have to try again once our lockdown is over and stores reopen.

Unfortunately we don't have official Apple stores in South Africa, just an official representative for Apple called CORE Group which are about as criminal as they come. Had a Macbook Pro with the anti-reflective coating issue that replaced under warrantee. Just over a year down the line I find out they've replaced the screen with a screen that has the same issue. Took it in again and their response was that it was out of warrantee and they can't help me.

We're all frustrated having paid money for a faulty product. Apple stays silent whilst moderators scrub posts. It's now six months since they bricked the noise cancellation. Calling Apple support directly today to see if I can at least get a replacement pair that at least has a semblance of working ANC.

wow lots of activity here today, woke up to find a new update. Thought great, finally. Picked up my airpods to do a before and after test. Too late already had new firmware forced upon me.

I returned my pods a few weeks back as they had the pulled firmware with useless ANC. Got a replacement set which were better but still nowhere near as good as launch firmware. Nowhere near.

New update? Nothing better, nothing worse.. so far. Cynic in me says its all deliberate by Apple, AirPods Pro 2 have to be an improvement right otherwise who would bother upgrading? Well. Not me thats for sure. Thanks Apple.

I am still on 2B588 but I guess I get no choice about the update. And if it is worse I think it might be the last Apple accessory I get.

worldwide we have seen about 15 different responses on this. From “you’re crazy” to “they’re fixing it soon”.

lesson learned people. If you want in-ear ANC: get 1000X or go home. The comparison is mind blowing.

no statement from Apple. No acknowledgement they broke APP. And I can see emails with comments that don’t appear here so I guess it has interest and hit a nerve somewhere.

we are just spare change in the big numbers. I’d forget about getting a resolution now.

learn. Get experienced ANC in future.

I don't want to argue. I just want to know if you had a pair of APP running the OCT 2019 F/W either 2B57X or 2B584 (the last that had the "old" ANC).

Also, I didn't intend to speculate and was describing my own personal experience (which isn't speculation) combined with what others on this thread and two others have said to describe the overall experience. I can say with confidence that sadly 2D15 has not fixed the ANC problem nor the single AirPod "clicking" sound bug (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251050158?answerId=252591493022) for myself. Others are also saying the same and said that within the first hour of updating ~14 hours ago.

I was very optimistic for this update. Some on other sites were calling it "The Big Fix". But... for me, it doesn't seem so.

Shanesnh wrote:

It fixed ANC for you? Did you have a pair of AirPods in October or EARLY November 2019 running F/W 2B584 or earlier before 2B588 and have a baseline comparison to 2B588/2C54/2D15?

2,500+ here and a few thousand more on portal sites/forums would politely disagree.

I operate a regional running group. My control group consisted of over 40 people. This latest update resolved the issues. ANC is working fine for us. I've dug into this as much as you have.

Versions:

21.620040031000000.658 2B584

21.620040031000000.695 2B588

22.620060002000000.16 2C54

Both Harmonica B and C updates. This newest one resolved our issues.

I'm sorry, BreeZee, but as every single person here is saying, it is an issue with the firmware, not cleanliness of the grill. I did clean the grill just to follow the letter of your advice, and, of course, the ANC weakness is unchanged. Please help us, BreeZee!

Sound quality has gone downhill with the latest firmware, bass heavy, distant vocals, overall less satisfying.

Add to that the Fact the ANC is no better this is another disappointment. The last firmware was better even though the ANC wasn’t great as they still sounded decent.

I can’t recommend these at the moment.

There's a LOT of foam tips on Ebay etc.

I'm in Norway so wanted to buy from Europe, to shorten the delivery time.

The one I bought was very expensive, but anyway here's the link:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/124203196512

New firmware appears to have made things worse for me with ANC. 2D15 was better than previous but this new one 2D27 from initial testing seems to be worse, I can barely notice difference between enabled and disabled. I am past caring now tbh, they sound good, they work with my iDevices but the ANC isn't much good. Why Apple screw about with this and not provide *any* release notes annoys me but what can I do.

Just further to my last. I’ve only run them for a few hours. Maybe I was a bit too optimistic or my surroundings weren’t quite as controlled.

I find it’s quite difficult to get a really good seal these days anyway.

I still think they feel initially a step in the right direction. Others are reporting it sounds worse.

mum finding with music playing at half volume now the world does seem to fade away much more than I’ve had since 2B588

i can only go on my personal experience.

they’re still woefully sub-par compared to 1000X in all departments apart from form factor and convenience.

but to me they’ve improved since 2D17