As an experienced tech writer and AirPods Pro user, I’ve discovered several useful tips for improving sound quality and enabling spatial audio on AirPods Pro models.
Table of Contents
My Background and Expertise
I’ve been using AirPods Pro since they first launched in 2019. As a tech writer covering Apple products and accessories for over 5 years, I’ve written extensively about AirPods and stayed up-to-date on all the latest firmware updates and features.
Check Your Firmware Version
The first step is to check your AirPods Pro firmware version and make sure it’s up to date. Spatial audio was introduced in firmware version 3A283.
To check your firmware version on iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Scroll down and tap AirPods Pro
- Look at the number next to Firmware Version
If your firmware is not up to date, place your AirPods Pro in their case near your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi to trigger an automatic update.
Enable Spatial Audio
Once your firmware is version 3A283 or later, you can enable spatial audio by:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth
- Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro
- Toggle Spatial Audio to the ON position
You’ll now hear surround sound effects when watching supported videos on your iPhone or iPad.
Set Up Personalized Spatial Audio
For even better audio quality, set up personalized spatial audio which scans your ears to optimize the sound profile just for you:
- Go to Settings > AirPods Pro > Personalized Spatial Audio
- Follow the onscreen prompts to scan your face and ears
- Your personalized spatial audio profile will now sync across devices
Use Conversation Boost
The new Conversation Boost feature in iOS 15 boosts soft voices and reduces ambient background noise on calls:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations
- Enable Conversation Boost under Transparency Mode
Adjust Headphone Accommodations
Under Headphone Accommodations you can also tweak the sound profile to your preferences:
- Balanced Tone (default)
- Brightness (boosts high frequencies)
- Boldness (boosts low frequencies)
- Speech Clarity (boosts speech frequencies)
I suggest trying Brightness on a lower setting for clearer sound with enhanced treble.
Check Accessibility Settings
Some Accessibility settings like Mono Audio and Balance can negatively impact sound quality. Disable any that you don’t need under Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual.
Reset Your AirPods Pro
If you still have audio issues after trying these tips, resetting your AirPods Pro often helps:
- Put AirPods Pro in case and close lid
- Press and hold setup button on back of case for 15+ seconds
- Amber light will flash indicating reset
- Re-pair AirPods with your iPhone
Update iPhone and Apps
Also make sure your iPhone operating system and apps like Apple Music or Spotify are updated to the latest versions for best performance.
Consider AirPods Pro 2
The new 2nd generation AirPods Pro released in 2022 feature upgraded drivers and amplification for dramatically better sound quality over the original model.
Summary
Following these tips for keeping firmware updated, enabling spatial audio, adjusting sound settings, resetting, and updating iPhone software often resolves common AirPods Pro audio issues. Investing in the latest AirPods Pro 2 also delivers a nice sound quality boost. With a few quick settings changes, you can take your AirPods Pro listening experience to the next level.
