Apple made sure to announce updates to the beloved AirPods, alongside the new features on iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. The AirPods are used by many users, and not just Apple users, and they should be excited cause the TWS earbuds are getting some new exciting features.
Apple AirPods – Automatic Switching
Apple will be adding a new feature to the AirPods called Automatic Switching. This feature allows the users to seamlessly switch between devices automatically, whenever they need it. When you’re connected on your iPhone, and you suddenly need to switch to your iPad, the AirPods then seamlessly switch over to the iPad complete with a notification to show you that you’ve been switched over.
Moving from the iPad to your MacBook, the AirPods then switch again following the same routine. If a call comes in on your iPhone, the AirPods reconnects back to your phone and lets you answer the call without doing anything more.
Apple AirPods Pro – Spatial Audio
The Apple AirPods Pro on the other hand will be getting spatial audio. In other words, that’s having surround sound on your AirPods Pro. For an authentic surround sound experience, the sound field needs to stay fixed even when you move your head. So, Apple has taken advantage of the accelerometer to track the movement of your head, then remaps the sound field so it stays locked on to your device, even if your head moves.
For example, if you’re in a moving car or cycling, if you take a turn or move sideways, the surround sound on the AirPods Pro stays in sync.
The spatial audio on the AirPods Pro will support 5.1, 7.1, as well as Dolby Atmos surround sound. These features will arrive in the form of an OTA update for the AirPods and AirPods Pro.