What is Adaptive Transparency and How Does It Work?
Adaptive Transparency is a new take on Transparency Mode by Apple. Transparency Mode actively listens to your surroundings using the in-built mic and allows you to hear nearby audio without removing your Airpods. Adaptive Transparency takes this a step further by actively anayzing sounds around you and suppressing sounds that are too loud. For example, suppose you’re talking to someone, and suddenly someone starts using a jackhammer in the background. In that case, Adaptive Transparency will automatically suppress the jackhammer sound selective so as to not damage your ears. Adaptive Transparency mode works by actively looking for sounds that exceeed the threshold of 85db. Once any sound is detected exceeding this level, it is suprressed using anti-noise in real time. This suppression happens with your current audio level in mind, and the volume is reduced enough so that it does not damage your hearing. Adaptive Transparency mode works quite well and does not affect the pitch of tone of other nearby sounds.
How to Enable Adaptive Transparency in Airpods Pro Gen 1?
There are a few requirements if you wish to use the Adaptive Transparency Mode on your Airpods Pro Gen 1. Use the next section to help you get familiar with the requirements.
Requirements
iOS 16.1 Developer Beta 3 or higherSuccessful Ear Tip fit testAirpods Pro Gen 1 beta firmware Build 5A304a
Conduct the Ear Tip Fit test
Here’s how you can conduct the Ear Tip fit test. This will help ensure you have the perfect fit for your ears which will help suppress loud noises successfully.
- Open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth to view all connected devices.
- Now tap the i icon beside your Airpods Pro Gen 1 from the list on yoru screen.
- Scroll down and tap Ear Tip Fit Test to test the fit of your current ear tips.
- Tap Continue at the bottom of your screen.
- Tap the Play icon at the bottom to test the fit.
- Your iPhone will soon display the results on your screen. Once the test is finished, both earbuds should read Good Seal under them. If not, you should try a different pair of ear tips to see which works best for you.
- Use the Play icon at the bottom to re-test your new tips until you get the Good Seal message for both your earbuds. You will now have completed the ear tip test for your Airpods Pro Gen 1. You can now use the section below to enable Adaptive Transparency mode.
Enable Adaptive Transparency Mode
Here’s how you can enable Adaptive Transparency Mode for your Airpods Pro Gen 1. Follow these steps to help you along the way.
- Open the Settings app and tap and select your Airpods if they show up at the top. If they don’t, tap Bluetooth.
- Now tap the i icon beside your Airpods Pro Gen 1.
- Tap and select Transparency at the top.
- Now tap on the toggle for Adaptive Transparency to turn it on. You will now have turned on Adaptive Transparency mode for your Airpods Pro Gen 1.
How Good is Adaptive Transparency in Airpods Pro Gen 1?
Adaptive Transparency works well on Airpods Pro Gen 1, according to initial user reports. The loud noises seemed to be toned down on par with Airpods Pro Gen 1. However, this ends up being noticeable due to the sound profile offered by the H1 chip. The H2 chip in Airpods Pro Gen 2 has a higher sampling rate, making this change a bit less noticeable when using the Adaptive Transparency mode. Either way, if you work in a chaotic environment where loud noises are a regularity, then I highly recommend you keep this feature enabled.
How Do I Update My Airpods Pro Gen 1 To The Beta Firmware?
Firmware updates for Apple accessories happen automatically. Thus you don’t need to do anything special to update your Airpods Pro Gen 1. Once you have updated your iPhone to iOS 16.1 developer beta 3, you can connect your Airpods and use them as usual. Your iPhone should automatically update the firmware once your Airpods are idle for a while. Use the steps below to check the currently installed firmware for your Airpods Pro Gen 1.
- Open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth.
- You will now be shown a list of all the paired bluetooth devices for your iPhone. Tap the i icon beside your Airpods Pro Gen 1.
- Scroll down to the About section. Your current Airpods Pro Gen 1 firmware will be listed beside Version.
How is Adaptive Transparency different from Live Listen?
Live Listen allows you to use your iPhone like a mic. Any audio captured from your iPhone is then sent to your Airpods. This can help you have conversations in loud areas. Adaptive Transparency, on the other hand, will reduce extremely loud noises around you while keeping other audio at its original volume level.
When should you use Adaptive Transparency?
You should use Transparency in chaotic areas where there might be loud noise. You can also use your pair in windy environments to reduce wind noises. Additionally, you can also use these at concerts or while playing instruments to help protect your ears from sudden volume increases.
Will this feature be added for more older Airpods generations?
There has been no official word from Apple on this. However, it is highly unlikely that this feature will be released for older generations of Airpods.
Final Words
Adaptive Transparency can help protect your ears and ensure that you do not suffer hearing damage. They help you protect your ears while listening to music and the world around you as usual. This is a great preventive measure to help protect your ears, and I hope the post above helped you easily enable it for your Airpods Pro Gen 1.
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