New AirPods Features in 2020 with iOS 14: ‘Spatial Audio’ and more

Apple announced during WWDC innovations for almost all products. Even for people who only have AirPods and one iPhone there was something new. As of September 14, 2020, these functions are already available if you use the beta of iOS 14 have. Would you rather wait for the final version? Then you can use these features with you later this month AirPods.

For these functions AirPods firmware-update 3A283 required. This is available for the AirPods 2 in AirPods Pro. So now you still have the iOS 14 beta necessary to use the functions.

# 1 Switch easily with AirPods

It’s easier to switch between devices without having to do anything yourself. Are you, for example, with your AirPods to a series on the Apple TV they automatically switch to the iPhone when a phone call comes in. It must also work seamlessly between other devices. For automatic switching between devices you have at least the AirPods 2 required. It will also work on the Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro and Beats Solo Pro. Of course, the automatic switching only works if you are logged in with the same iCloud account on both devices.

# 2 Spatial Audio for AirPods Pro

For owners of the AirPods Pro, there is something really nice: Apple supports this Spatial Audio. This gives a surround sound effect, so that it looks like you are in a cinema and the sound comes from all sides. This gives you the impression that certain sounds come from behind or from above. Spatial Audio is a kind of 3D sound that uses tricks. For example, the accelerometer and gyroscope in the ears are used to measure head movements. Then directional audio filters are applied. The frequencies each ear receives are subtly adjusted, making the sound seem to come from every conceivable direction.

Spatial Audio is only possible on the AirPods Pro. It supports audio encoding in 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos. That does not mean that they now support Dolby Atmos, but that the earphones can convert such audio to a spatial sounding effect. Have the latest AirPods update and are running iOS 14? Then you can turn it on yourself by opening the Control Center, holding down the volume slider and turning on Spatial audio there. Then start, for example, a series or film Apple TV+ (such as Greyhound or For All Mankind) and enjoy the improvements.

# 3 Movement data in apps

Developers get with the AirPods Pro Motion API access to all kinds of data about direction, acceleration and rotation of the AirPods Pro. They can use this data in fitness apps, games and the like. This only works for the AirPods Pro. More info can be found here.

# 4 Share AirPods on Apple TV
In addition, there is a little news for people with a Apple TV. Apple moves in tvOS 14 support for it parts of AirPods so two people can watch and listen to a movie at the same time, each through their own earphones.

# 5 Accessibility for AirPods
Also on the AirPods new accessibility features are coming. With ‘Headphone Accomodations’, soft sounds are taken into account, which the hearing impaired may not be able to hear very well. These soft sounds are amplified and certain frequencies are adapted to the needs of the user. Music, movies, podcasts and phone calls then sound clearer. ‘Headphone Accomodations’ also works in tandem with the transparency mode on the AirPods Pro. Weak voices are then more audible and better tuned to the surrounding sounds.

# 6 Battery warnings for AirPods

There is a new battery level warning in iOS 14 so you know when it’s time for you again Charge AirPods. Handy if you are about to make a long phone call or want to watch a movie. The message is similar to that of the Apple Pencil and appears at the top of the screen.

# 7 Optimized charging for AirPods

Apple has added optimized charging support for the AirPods in iOS 14. This ensures that the batteries wear out less quickly in the earplugs. The feature learns the user’s daily behavior and waits to charge beyond 80 percent until you actually need it. In practice, this means that the AirPods will charge to 100 percent about an hour before you usually use them.

Apple uses a similar function for optimized charging on the iPhone in Mac, to ensure optimal battery life and minimize wear. Keeping a lithium ion battery at 100% continuously isn’t great for the battery.

So for all these improvements you have iOS 14 or one of the other upcoming updates. We expect iOS 14, iPadOS 14 in watchOS 7 in September 2020. In our article with new features of iOS 14 you can read what else is coming.