Quick Summary
A new firmware version has been released for AirPods Pro 2 bringing some of the upcoming new features.
You'll need to be running the iOS 18 beta to get the firmware and your AirPods will need to be connected to the iPhone running the software and on Wi-Fi.
Back in June, Apple held its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) where it announced a number of new software features coming to its devices. The focus was iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac and Vision Pro, with some great features coming to those devices from customisation of the home screen on iPhone, to extra functionality for the Double Tap feature on Apple Watch.
Within iOS 18 – the next software release coming to iPhone - another Apple device gets some new tricks though. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 will not only bring Personalised Spatial Audio for gaming and better Voice Isolation when in noisy environments, but hands-free Siri Interactions.
It's the latter feature that's probably the most exciting, allowing you to simply shake your head to say no, or nod it to say yes. When a call comes in for example, if you have Announce Calls on (you can do this in Settings and then Siri & Search), Siri will tell you who is calling and you'll be able to nod yes to answer or no to decline the call without having to lift a finger or look at your iPhone.
Those new features are starting to be implemented too if you're running the iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 betas, as 9to5Mac spotted. A new firmware version has been released – version 7.0.290 (7A5290a), following on from a version released last week – 7A5266c, which usher in the new features mentioned above.
As we said, you'll need to be on the iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 betas for the firmware version to update on your AirPods and it isn't possible to do it manually. You'll also need a pair of AirPods Pro 2 as they are the only model to support the new features.
If you have those AirPods and you're running the betas however, when your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, the new firmware should automatically download and you can start shaking your head when those calls come in that you don't want to answer.
If you're not running the betas, the final software builds should arrive sometime in September, typically the Monday after Apple's September event announcing the new iPhone 16 models and next-gen Apple Watch devices.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Britta is a freelance technology journalist who has been writing about tech for over a decade. She's covered all consumer tech from phones, tablets and wearables to smart home and beauty tech, with everything in between. She has a fashion journalism degree from London College of Fashion and previously did a long stint as deputy editor of Pocket-lint, but you’ll now find her byline on several titles including GQ, the Express, the Mirror, TechRadar, Stuff and iMore. You'll never find her without her Apple Watch on, aiming to complete her rings so she can justify the extra bar of chocolate and she loves a good iPhone trick.
-
I added Cossack Squats to my leg workouts — and here’s why you should too
How to build unstoppable leg strength and loosen your hips with the Cossack Squat
By Lucy Miller Published
-
A Pilates instructor says this is the five-minute routine you need for your back
Tight and tense after a long day of sitting? Unwind with these five exercises
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Your Apple TV just got a great new trick
Actually it got a couple...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple just accidentally leaked the M4 MacBook Air
Don't expect a redesign, this upgrade is all about processing power
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Apple AirPods Pro 3 tipped for an earlier than expected release date
And with a redesign too, possibly
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple Music gets a huge free update you can enjoy even if you don't subscribe
Viva la musica!
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple Vision Pro could learn a thing or two from PSVR2 when it comes to gaming
Craving proper gaming on the Apple Vision Pro? That could happen
By Chris Hall Published
-
Your iPhone is about to get its biggest free update yet – iOS 18.2 release imminent
Apple Intelligence could make its bow in the UK in the next couple of days, along with new AI features for the US and much more
By Rik Henderson Last updated
-
Apple Watch just got a great free update to help you get home safely
Uber has significantly improved its Live Activities feed
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple Intelligence's new features are imminent and actually really useful
Hey Siri, write a news story for T3 about Apple Intelligence... erm
By Britta O'Boyle Published