AirPods Pro firmware update sacrifices noise cancellation quality for bass

A recent firmware update to AirPods Pro was was meant to improve the audio quality overall, but seems to have reduced the ability to block some ambient noise at lower frequencies.

Apple released the affected firmware update on December 16, 2019, which may have reduced audio isolation performance. Audio review site Rtings performed a new round of tests to evaluate the AirPods Pro ANC while running the 2C54 update, and found that user complaints were accurate.

"After updating to Firmware [2C54], we retested the headphones and our results showed a fairly significant drop in isolation performance, primarily in the bass-range," discovered Rtings. "This means that with ANC turned on, these headphones won't do nearly as good a job blocking out the low engine rumbles of planes or buses as they did before this update. This review reflects these changes."

The reduction in isolation has been directly attributed in Apple's attempt to increase audio quality, and more specifically bass accuracy. Rtings also reflected this change saying that the result "showed a fairly significant improvement to bass accuracy."

The 2C54 update was pulled shortly after release for reasons not entirely clear, but users were already complaining about a difference in the active noise cancellation system (ANC). Also unclear, is how many users ultimately were affected by this update.

Apple's AirPods Pro are the high end version of Apple's truly wireless earphones. Released in September 2019, they debuted as an upgrade path from the existing second generation AirPods, rather than acting as a replacement. AirPods Pro offered Active Noise Cancelling and changeable ear tips for a premium $250 price tag. Check out AppleInsider's Price Guide for more purchasing information and deals.

21 Comments

Anilu_777 577 comments · 8 Years

About 4 years ago

Crap! I updated immediately. Any indication they’re going to fix this? I’ve noticed the drop in ANC noise reduction. It was much better out of the box months ago.

fred1 1133 comments · 11 Years

Anilu_777 said:

Crap! I updated immediately. Any indication they’re going to fix this? I’ve noticed the drop in ANC noise reduction. It was much better out of the box months ago.

I also updated immediately and I'd also like to know when a fix will be issued, though I doubt that anyone who contributes to this site or comments has this information. Given the choice between noise cancelling and bass tones, I go for noise cancelling.

On a different note, what are "truly wireless" earphones?? Uh, either they're connected by wire or they aren't, no?

jkichline 1369 comments · 14 Years

I wasn’t happy with the sound quality of the AirPod Pros I got for Christmas. In addition, they gave me a severe allergic reaction which made the insides of my ears itchy throughout the holidays which was awful!

geekmee 646 comments · 13 Years

jkichline said:

I wasn’t happy with the sound quality of the AirPod Pros I got for Christmas. In addition, they gave me a severe allergic reaction which made the insides of my ears itchy throughout the holidays which was awful!

Sorry to hear that... It’s the only allergic reaction I have heard. I am sure if you contact Apple Support they would give you some refund options. I am not Apple affiliated in any way, but me and everyone I’ve known who contacted Apple Support has come away with a solution that was pleasing and relevant to them.
if you posted to this group, I think you owe it to yourself to make Apple Support aware of the problem.

I am sure Apple will figure it out and make it right, looking their history.
I am reminded of airline flights who are off-track 98% of the time. It’s the constant little self-corrections that get them their safely and on-time.