AirPods Pro get Conversation Boost in latest beta firmware release

According to recent reports, Apple's latest AirPods Pro beta firmware release includes support for Conversation Boost, a new technology that makes it easier for people with mild to moderate hearing challenges to engage in conversations.

While Apple failed to provide release notes for the second AirPods Pro beta firmware that was issued last week, those brave enough to test out the new software discovered the addition of Conversation Boost and shared their findings on Reddit.

Released on Friday, firmware version 4A362b was previously thought to include minor performance enhancements and tweaks.

Announced at Apple's worldwide Developers Conference in June, Conversation Boost leverages microphone beamforming and machine learning technology to isolate human voices. The feature is tuned to focus on a person speaking directly in front of a user, making it easier for AirPods Pro owners to focus during face-to-face conversations.

Conversation Boost can also filter out distracting ambient noise. The feature is set to debut with iOS 15 this fall and will at launch be limited to AirPods Pro hardware.

Last week's AirPods Pro beta was the second for Apple after the company said it would open testing to developers in June. An initial release in July delivered FaceTime Spatial Audio and Ambient Noise Reduction.

Developers can download the latest beta with Conversation Boost directly from Apple's developer website. The download requires an iPhone running iOS 15, a Mac with Xcode 13 and a pair of fully charged AirPods Pro.

15 Comments

entropys 4288 comments · 13 Years

About 3 years ago

At least there is no auto play video in this article.

mobird 757 comments · 20 Years

Maybe my Wife will benefit from this feature when watching TV...nothing to my knowledge has mentioned this capability. We'll find out.

ArchStanton 200 comments · 3 Years

mobird said:

Maybe my Wife will benefit from this feature when watching TV...nothing to my knowledge has mentioned this capability. We'll find out.

The share function might be what you and your wife could use? Both APPs can connect to AppleTV or Airplay through the iPhone. Each set of APPs get the same audio but there is individual volume control.

Japhey 1772 comments · 6 Years

entropys said:

At least there is no auto play video in this article.

How are you accessing the site? Web? I use the AI app on iPhone or iPad and I’ve never had auto play videos. I would definitely find them annoying if I did though.

Japhey said:

entropys said:

At least there is no auto play video in this article.

How are you accessing the site? Web? I use the AI app on iPhone or iPad and I’ve never had auto play videos. I would definitely find them annoying if I did though.

It is. AI and other sites have to pay for the site so it is understandable some ads must be run. But some sites fill every corner with ads and videos and makes the site not very usable. I don't think that's AI but its web access usually does have a video playing.