AirPods Pro firmware 2B588 reduce the noise cancelling capability

Personally, I have been following their post and they originally stated that there wasn't a noticeable difference between 2B584 and 2B588 that they could tell off the bat and would get back to testing after the holidays... However, when they came back to test they were on 2C54... (I don't believe they truly were ever able to legitmally test going from 2B584 to 2B588 but were finally able to test... 2B584 to 2C54

2B588 and 2C54 which I ran both on two sets were practically identical in terms of ANC (Both dumbed down)

We just want 2B584 back!!! Its awful cause now they are shipping with 2B588 and lousy as soon as you unbox without pairing and put them in your ears (They default to ANC Mode) and you can hear so much = (

Lucky_st's post is exact confirmation of the issue with both a control and an experimental group (two pairs of AirPods, one that was connected to an iPhone which updated to 2B588 causing the ANC issue and then subsequently to 2C54 which kept the issue; and a control AirPods Pro which was only ever connected to Android and is still running 2B576 and does not exhibit the issue at all).

Seeing both together proves that the changes included in the 2B588 firmware (as well as 2C54) indeed is the problem. Devices running 2B584 or 2B576 are not and were not affected.

I will be forwarding this message along with Lucky_st's post to my rep as well.

Hi Guys,

I've received my replacement today and my unit has HW: 1.0.0 FW: 2B588 and manufacturing date Jan 2020 and as I predicted, the new unit has same degree of ANC reduction as old one so it clearly indicates that it is solely firmware update which did this change. As the issue is getting widespread I am really hoping for the prompt Apple's reaction where they will give us ability to adjust ANC strength to at least the level of initial power it has on previous firmwares.

Streetspy wrote:

Hi Guys,

I've received my replacement today and my unit has HW: 1.0.0 FW: 2B588 and manufacturing date Jan 2020 and as I predicted, the new unit has same degree of ANC reduction as old one so it clearly indicates that it is solely firmware update which did this change. As the issue is getting widespread I am really hoping for the prompt Apple's reaction where they will give us ability to adjust ANC strength to at least the level of initial power it has on previous firmwares.

hi, I'm not sure what you are saying. You received a brand new unit with the same HW e FW version of the most of the people here. But are you saying that the ANC is great as the "old one", so very first unit with the strongest anc?

I received mine a week ago, same exactly configuration, no changes in ANC (good/decent, not even close to "great").

Moreover: how can I check my manufacturing date? via serial code?

I had to read the comment twice.

Person meant that new AirPods are just as bad as his older ones in terms of how the ANC works.

i.e. It's firmware. 2B588 broke it. 2C54 caused more issues and was pulled (confirmed).

Time for Apple to make a 2DXX firmware that restores ANC to 2B584 levels and contains the previous bugfixes as well without catastrophically breaking anything else. Perhaps figuring out the wireless charging overheating issue could be a good idea for 2DXX firmware as well.

rgergergerg wrote:

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.

This is very important. At least they are aware that the decrease in ANC is actually an issue.

BigZ12,

Open a new case about the ANC problem. Cite this forum. They will likely swap your set out for a new pair w/ 2B588. Yes, the ANC problem will likely remain but the other issues (bass, whatever) will be gone. But cite the ANC issue as the main issue and let them "troubleshoot" it and they can swap it out and "collect" your device like they did to me. Then you can follow up saying the ANC issue remains if it does (which it will I assume).

I am on 2C54 and thought I was crazy when it seemed my noise cancelling was much worse. My office is generally quiet, but my treadmill is very loud and that’s when I noticed it. I remember my first treadmill run with the APP and being blown away by the fact that I couldn’t hear it at all. Now I can hear it almost as normal. I had a Support Chat where they tried to make me go through a rigamaroll of resetting things which I refused to do - I said this is a known problem and I want a replacement, period. Which they are sending me and arrives tomorrow. Very irritating though. Why should I even have to go through this process for a brand new product??

I spoke with a Apple representative about the issues with the AirPods Pro ANC and the unreleased firmware update(2D3). There response was that they already contacted the engineering team and they have been working on the new firmware update to fix those issues. Unfortunately, they still have not made any official statements about the issue as requested.

2D15 has not fixed ANC and has made the other big bug (clicking sound) WORSE for me. There are now 3 current bugs (this one has been around 6 months, second has been around for a few months, and the last one has been around since 13.4.1 has been released. All with no word or acknowledgement from Apple.

There are three main bugs that have NOT been fixed (two with AirPods Pro that just got updated today with NO fixes):

1) ANC-issue since 2B588 firmware (released Nov. 2019) that remained in 2C54 and new 2D15 (released 5/5/2020): https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250887615?answerId=252591015022 (our thread)

2) Clicking sound on AirPods Pro that has been around for months also not fixed today with 2D15 (got worse for me).

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251050158?answerId=252591252022

3) iOS devices running 13.4.1 are having major battery drain issues since updating. There is no known fix as of today. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251265543?answerId=252584580022

Ok so it is plain and simple. They easiest way to test is as follow:

1. Swipe down on your phone to get to the Control Centre.
2. Press down and hold on the Volume Slider on the screen.
3. Now snap your fingers let's say on the right hand side of your head close to the Airpod and whilst doing that switch between "Noise Cancellation" and "Off".

For me there is absolutely no difference in audibility of my fingers snapping. I would like to hear if you have the same experience because this simply means that the ANC does not work at all.

Have you guys with crackling/warble/static/distortions etc tried switching to foam tips?

I have, and it works wonders for me.

Especially the treble warble (from the adaptiv EQ?) is totally gone.

The fit and comfort is definately better, with also less thumping sounds when walking/running as well.

I also feel the seal is better, making the ANC works a little better too.

And of course, bass is more punchy with a good seal.

I'm usually a medium size tip user, but the foam tip that suited me best was a large one (ordered at Ebay, from a german guy)

Updating to iOS 13.3 fixed it for me.

Got this problem solved after updating iOS to the latest version. Learn from: https://www.wipelock.com/phone-tips/fix-airpods-pro-issue/

Hope this helps.

Keep your AirPods next to your phone while the AirPods are charging. Keep ur phone on WiFi and make sure your Bluetooth is on. At least that’s what worked for me