Apple is updating the software on AirPods this fall, with Siri Interactions and Voice Isolation among the inbound changes.
AirPods will let you shake your head to decline a call without speaking. Handy if you're in an elevator.
During Apple's WWDC 2024 keynote, it detailed many improvements coming to its various operating systems. It also took a moment to detail what is on the way for AirPods users.
Siri Interactions offers new ways to work with the digital assistant using the earbuds. This includes being able to nod or shake their head to respond to Siri to answer or ignore a phone call in cases when the user cannot speak aloud.
The same concept, can also be used in various other ways, including managing notifications and dealing with messages, all without the user speaking at all.
For when users need to speak, AirPods Pro will gain Voice Isolation. The feature will isolate and enhance the user's voice, while simultaneously eliminating background noise like wind for the listener.
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking will also be a boost for gamers. It will be made available for gaming for the third-gen AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
AirPods Pro will also benefit from the best wireless audio latency Apple says it has ever delivered for mobile gaming. There's improved voice quality too for AirPods Pro gamers, including 16-bit 48kHz audio for in-game chat.
Apple's also making a developer API available for game producers to incorporate into their audio systems.
The developer beta for AirPods is already available to try out, with public releases due in the fall.