AirPods Pro 3 drop in noise cancellation after 8B34 firmware update

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RKapoor1973 Author

Level 1

15 points

AirPods Pro 3 drop in noise cancellation after 8B34 firmware update

AirPods Pro 3 had impressive noise cancelling when I got them in December, however the noise cancellation quality seems to have noticeably decreased recently. I cycled through the ear tips to confirm that it's not a fit issue (Medium & Large continue to work best for me as confirmed by the Acoustic Seal Test). The most likely culprit seems to be the 8B34 firmware update. I saw articles suggesting 8B34 is supposed to improve noise cancellation but for me the quality has dropped quite a bit. For ex. earlier with noise cancellation enabled and music playing at low volume, I couldn't hear my smart lock unlocking/locking at all. Now I can hear it very clearly (though the noise is lower than in Transparency and Adaptive Audio modes it is no longer masked out completely as before). I tried the "forget this device and pair it again" trick but that didn't fix the issue.

Is Apple aware of this and going to correct the issue? I still have a few days left to return it for free ...

AirPods Pro 3

Posted on Jan 15, 2026 10:28 AM

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Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

38,809 points

Jan 18, 2026 8:43 PM in response to RKapoor1973

Re: AirPods Pro 3 drop in noise cancellation after 8B34 firmware update

Wondering which device / device model / OS version you are using to pair the airPods with.

Updating the firmware usually requires the device has the newest update as well

Eg : For an iPhone: About iOS 26 Updates - Apple Support says iOS 26.2 is the newest version

and

"This update includes enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone." (NB" Always wise to back-up a device (Eg iPhone) before updating iOS.)

(If you wish: You can check for updates in Settings > General > Software updates)

_______________________________________________

If already updated to the newest compatible OS version for your device:

Restarting a device often restores order if something is not working as expected.

or

If you haven't already seen it: Apple Support's online article (link below) may have tips:

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes for AirPods - Apple Support

_____________

Useful resource: AirPods User Guide - Apple Support

_________________________________________________

Re: Is Apple aware of this and going to correct the issue?

We don't know for sure there is any issue amongst other AirPod Pro 3 users.

As Apple users, like yourself, we have no way of knowing for sure, and Apple is unlikely to see your post.

If you wish to send a bug-report or feedback to Apple: There's a web-form: Feedback - AirPods - Apple online.

_____________________

More Support if needed:

AirPods Support Website: (topics, resources, and contact options etc.) https://support.apple.com/airpod

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Answer 2

RKapoor1973 Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 22, 2026 11:44 AM in response to brbo

I pair it with my iPhone 16 Pro which has had the latest (26.2) update for a while and has been restarted.

I did try Apple Support but couldn't get past the useless AI assistant. I also submitted a report to Apple directly but never heard back and given Apple's "closed" bug report mechanism there is no way to know if any action is being taken on a bug report/feature request.

Noise cancellation has become so bad that AirPods Pro 3 is now amplifying the noises. For ex. during my walks, the sound of trucks on street and workers throwing things around is getting amplified over music. The masking of exercise machine sounds too has become very erratic (same sounds are sometimes masked, sometimes not). Siri is also not registering trivial voice commands half the time, even in quiet environments, making it very frustrating to control the AirPods. None of these issues were present when I got the AirPods in December. So, I'll be returning them today.

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