New AirPods Pro Firmware Enables Conversation Boost, Here's How to Turn It On - MacRumors
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New AirPods Pro Firmware Enables Conversation Boost, Here's How to Turn It On

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Apple on Tuesday released firmware version 4A400 for the second-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. On the AirPods Pro, the update enables a new Conversation Boost feature that Apple previewed at WWDC earlier this year.

airpods pro conversation boost
Apple says Conversation Boost is designed to help people with mild hearing challenges stay more connected in conversations. The feature uses the AirPods Pro's beam-forming microphones to boost the volume of a person talking in front of you, making it easier to listen to a face-to-face conversation, and there is also an option to reduce ambient noise.

How to Turn On Conversation Boost

To turn on Conversation Boost, the AirPods Pro must be updated to firmware version 4A400. AirPods Pro firmware updates are installed over the air, but there is no manual way to force an update. In general, AirPods Pro connected to an iPhone or iPad should automatically update to the latest firmware version after a fairly short period of time. It may help to keep the AirPods Pro in their charging case and connected to a power source.

You can check your ‌‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌‌ firmware by following these steps:

  • Connect your ‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌ to your iOS device.
  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap on General.
  • Tap on About.
  • Tap ‌‌‌‌‌on AirPods‌‌‌‌‌.
  • Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."

airpods pro conversation boost 1
Once the AirPods Pro are updated, Conversation Boost can be turned on by following these steps on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or iPadOS 15:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap on Accessibility.
  • Tap on Audio/Visual.
  • Tap on Headphone Accommodations.
  • Scroll down and tap on Transparency Mode.
  • Toggle on Conversation Boost.

The new firmware also adds Find My network integration for the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

AngerDanger Avatar
AngerDanger
64 months ago

Looks like a futuristic pulse weapon
You read my mind.



Attachment Image
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maxfromdenmark Avatar
maxfromdenmark
64 months ago
Cool! But I’m still trying to upgrade firmware and nothing happens.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ksujoel Avatar
ksujoel
64 months ago

There was that article yesterday about banks being worried about Apple as they took over music players, GPS devices and cameras. Now hearing aid manufacturers are on notice!

I wonder what the price comparison between a hearing aid and AirPods is?
I wear hearing aids. I am completely deaf in my right ear and halfway deaf in my left. I wear a BiCros system that allows the hearing aid in my right ear to act like a receiver and transmits sounds that come from that side over to my left side, so I'm not always turning my head. I got this system a little over 2 years ago and it cost me nearly $3,800. I don't know what I would do without my hearing aids. I doubt the AirPods would be strong enough for what I would need, though. I love that the AirPods have this capability for those with mild hearing loss.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Johnny907 Avatar
Johnny907
64 months ago
Spent 30 minutes last night trying to get my Pro's to upgrade. On the charger, off the charger, in the case out of the case, unpair-repair. Power cycled the phone, connected to my watch, connected to my Macbook, nothing.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
mattster16
64 months ago

There was that article yesterday about banks being worried about Apple as they took over music players, GPS devices and cameras. Now hearing aid manufacturers are on notice!

I wonder what the price comparison between a hearing aid and AirPods is?
Hearing aids are extremely expensive and not covered by most insurance (including Medicare). They are prohibitively expensive for many people.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ccraig13 Avatar
ccraig13
64 months ago
Looks like a futuristic pulse weapon
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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