AirPods Pro firmware 2B588 reduce the noise cancelling capability

I bought the AirPods Pro based on the rave reviews of it's noise cancelling capabilities. I thought they would be an upgrade from some old mediocre noise cancelling headphones I had. Very disappointing. I often want to use them just for the noise cancellation even if I'm not listing to any music or podcast. While it does something, it's no better than my old ANC headphones that cost less than half the price.

This is all CRAZINESS that Apple should fix right away! They are going to lose their loyal customers over this. My AirPod Pros are worth about $20 without the ANC that they once had... before the firmware update that I had no choice about. I mean, I absolutely LOVED them (BEST purchase ever, I've said), but now they are worthless. I too have chatted and talked with Apple Support. They know less about the AirPod Pros than I do, it seems. I have gotten replacement ones, but they have the EXACT SAME issue. The ANC is only slightly, and I mean slightly, better than OFF -- and I use the large silicon to fill up my ear completely. When will Apple come out with the firmware FIX or offer my a TOTAL REFUND so I can move on?! It's past due, Apple. Come on!

WOW! How about some release notes, Apple?! We, the consumer, who spend $$$ on AirPod Pros should know what in the world changed with the latest firmware. Also, it's about time you acknowledge the issue with ANC after it was initially AWESOME and exactly why many of us purchased them in the first place. I know money doesn't grow on trees, but come on, Apple. Do right by your loyal customers -- or you may lose our loyalty and much more money than a pair of replacement AirPods that actually have noise cancelation. You can blame in on overseas manufacturing and quality control or whatever. We'd just appreciate the SOLUTION so we can get back to our noise-free life and work.

I just finished updating and the update is pretty disappointing. ANC seems to be the same, but the bass might actually sound just a tiny bit better. I also had disconnecting issues right after updating leading me to reset the AirPods. Overall its kinda pointless.

While I am heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, I am not seeing myself buying any AirPod product again. I feel that I've been cheated and laughed and tricked to buy the supposed to be superb ANC Airpods Pro that lasted for few hours before turning themselves to a dud. I don't know what the new firmware fixed, but definitely, it didn't fix the reason why I cashed out $250 for Airpods Pro. Shame on you, Apple. Shame on you.

No no no, emails are automatic because you are "subscribed" and those notifications are automatic. Just like YouTube will send you a notification if you have the bell clicked on... If that video gets removed 10 minutes later for a ToS violation, you still have the notification. I have 100s of emails from this thread alone, all uncensored. But they remove (or edit) the posts on here that are visible after the fact.

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.

Then can you explain why my ANC works just like it did before?

Section 2, subsection 1.

You speculate often. Not trying to argue, just pointing out where you may not be understanding the TOU here. I've been reminded of it recently as well.

I absolutely agree with Shanesnh. The ANC is not fixed. Not at all. I don't have any other problems yet with the new firmware but the ANC is still disappointing. If someone from Apple reads this, you should build a slider so that every user can choose how much ANC they want. I think it's the best idea and solution. Btw i dont break any rules with my posts and this shall not be censored.

I really appreciate this info. This is very helpful. Do you know anything (or have any of your 40 people if you can ask them) experienced the one-sided-AirPod "clicking", "tapping", "static" noise issue? (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251050158?answerId=252591493022)

Apple told me that it is a common issue and that it is F/W related and I swapped mine out multiple times. They told me to "expect" a similar problem even when swapping out. They were correct.

2D15 seems to make this static clicking sound louder for me unfortunately confirming again that it's F/W and not H/W. But at least it's F/W which means it can be fixed (at some point).

I will have to play with ANC more when I go out. I updated overnight and have only played with it in the house.

Thanks for putting time into this reply. I do appreciate the genuine effort and thoroughness of it.

Not fixed here either. Basically the only difference between transparency and ANC on is that outside noise is audible but muffled. I could have just bought some £20 Seinheiser if I wanted that. Tried cleaning the mics on each pod but doesn't make a whit of difference.

I just upgraded from 2C54 to 2D15. Before the update, I specially tested the ANC, and the audibility of the steps when walking. After the update, the ANC has not changed. The bass echo from your own steps is still audible. Unfortunately, the ANC has not changed. I feel cheated. I will watch the headphones from competitors. For use in transport, AirPods Pro is no longer suitable.

It really insulting to suggest that our cleaning our AirPod Pros and that’s reason for reduced ANC. I got a brand new replacement pair & it has the same exact issue. I imagine that this is not about debris or ear wax for 99% of us. And, we’ve all updated our software on all our devices... that’s why we are going crazy looking for a REAL solution. The firmware broke the ANC. That’s what happened! The best way, Bree_Zee_17, for you as a Apple Community Specialist to help us is to advocate for us up the chain of command at Apple so the ANC feature can be restored to full strength. Please advocate for us.

PS Bullet #2 in your “If ANC isn’t working...” link above doesn’t work. Page not found. Classic. Just like my ANC. #funnyNOTfunny

Well I am having the same problem. ANC is really bad after the firmware upgrade. My right side is constantly making crackling and pop sounds when ANC is on or transparency mode is on. When off no issues..

Well today the Airpods pro was automatically updated to 2D3 still the same problem... Can we assume that my right side Airpods Pro is some how bricked and can not be fixed with a firmware update.... I am a Apple loyalist.. But this debacle really casts doubts on the whole apple ecosystem.... APPLE if your listening you need to fix this issue. It about trust and integrity... HELP US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don’t think it’s anything to do with their “ability” - this is clearly intentional at this point and I don’t think we’re getting the original ANC back. Once my store is back open I’m going to go in and talk to the manager about refunding them - they sold one product and then turned it into a different one. Sick of waiting for a fix that isn’t coming.