Has anyone also experienced a major ANC reduction in AirPods Pro 2 after the update to 84B1?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Has anyone also experienced a major ANC reduction in AirPods Pro 2 after the update to 84B1?

My AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) had excellent ANC as recently as August 16, including at a noisy airport. Within about a week, the ANC suddenly became roughly 50% weaker and has continued getting worse.

I’ve already cleaned the AirPods and ear tips, confirmed a good seal with the Ear Tip Fit Test, confirmed ANC is enabled, and completely reset the AirPods. They are currently on the latest 8B41 firmware. There has been no drop or physical damage.

Could this be an 8B41 firmware issue, or has anyone experienced something similar?

AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Posted on Aug 21, 2026 2:41 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 22, 2026 9:51 AM in response to JonBovi26

JonBovi26 wrote:

…

i find it illogical to conclude it being a hardware issue due to damage as it happened simultaneously without incident…

That’s because you don’t understand logic.

But yes, a trip to an Apple store would be your best bet.

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Answer 2

JonBovi26 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 22, 2026 12:28 AM in response to OldToad

I can confirm that it’s 8B41.

i find it illogical to conclude it being a hardware issue due to damage as it happened simultaneously without incident.

going to the Genius Bar today to get a diagnosis

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Answer 3

OldToad

Level 3

575 points

Aug 21, 2026 5:21 PM in response to JonBovi26

I have Air Pods Pro 2 and have had no reduction in ANC. But my Firmware seems to be at 8B41. Can your post be a typo. It seems logical.

Have you tried to the following: How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro and Force restart iPhone.

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Answer 4

Aug 21, 2026 2:43 PM in response to JonBovi26

Frankly, no.

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Answer 5

lkrupp

Level 7

26,711 points

Aug 21, 2026 4:29 PM in response to JonBovi26

No.

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Answer 6

KiltedTim

Level 10

235,860 points

Aug 21, 2026 4:47 PM in response to JonBovi26

Nope. No problems.

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Answer 7

OldToad

Level 3

575 points

Aug 22, 2026 2:07 PM in response to JonBovi26

You're right. I read/interpreted your version in your first post as B841. Eyes are catching up with my age it seems. Sorry about that.

OT

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Answer 8

KiltedTim

Level 10

235,860 points

Aug 22, 2026 6:43 PM in response to JonBovi26

I can tell you mine worked exceptionally well today using ANC at the Browns preseason game in Cleveland. They performed much better than the Browns did, though that's a pretty low bar...

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