During the WWDC23 keynote, Apple introduced a new feature for the AirPods Pro 2 called Adaptive Audio. This mode smartly switches between noise cancellation and transparency modes.
Depending on the situation, the AirPods will decide when to block out surrounding noises completely so you can enjoy your music and when to let in important sounds like a car horn or someone speaking to you.
This feature is only available for the AirPods Pro 2 and not for other models, including the AirPods Max. In this article, we’ll explain how to try this feature, which is still in beta and not automatically installed with the iOS 17 update.
How to install the new beta firmware on AirPods Pro 2
Usually, you need a developer account to do this, but now Apple allows anyone to upgrade their Apple ID to have developer privileges for free.
Important Note: After updating the headphones, you can’t undo it. If the update causes any issues, you won’t be able to go back to the old version that worked fine. So, it’s generally best not to update unless absolutely necessary. If you still want to go ahead, here’s how to do it.
Steps to Enable Developer Mode on Your iPhone and Update Your AirPods Pro 2 Firmware
1. Check for Developer Mode on iPhone:
– Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode on your iPhone with iOS 17 beta.
– If you see Developer Mode, turn it on and skip to step 13. If not, move to step 2.
2. Access Apple Developer Site on Mac:
– Use your Mac (running Ventura 13.3 or later) to go to the Apple developer website and log in with your Apple ID.
3. Download Xcode 15 Beta:
– In the Program Resources section on the Apple developer site, click on Software Download on the right side.
– In the top menu, click Applications.
– Find Xcode 15 beta and click View Downloads.
– On the download page, expand the first download option and uncheck iOS 17.
– Click the blue button to download Xcode 15 beta and Selected Platforms.
4. Install Xcode 15 Beta:
– Unzip the Xcode_15_beta.xip file you downloaded.
– Open the unzipped Xcode 15 beta file, or drag it into your Applications folder.
– When you first open Xcode-beta, keep iOS 17 unchecked if prompted.
5. Connect Your iPhone to Your Mac:
– Use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone (with iOS 17 installed) to your Mac.
– Wait a few seconds for your iPhone to recognize the connection.
6. Activate Developer Mode on iPhone:
– On your iPhone, go to Settings.
– Select Privacy & Security, scroll to the bottom, and find Developer Mode.
– Turn on Developer Mode and follow the steps to restart your iPhone.
7. Enable Developer Mode:
– After restarting, unlock your iPhone. A pop-up will appear asking if you want to activate Developer Mode. Click Activate.
– Go back to Settings, and you will see a new Developer tab under TV Provider.
8. Prepare AirPods Pro 2 for Beta Firmware:
– In the Developer settings, find Pre-release beta firmware near the bottom of the list.
– Turn on the switch for your AirPods Pro 2.
9. Automatic Beta Firmware Update:
– Apple will automatically install the firmware updates when your AirPods are in their charging case and near your iPhone.
– You can’t force the installation, but you can check the status by going to Bluetooth and clicking the (i) next to your AirPods.
10. Check for Beta Firmware Installation:
– You’ll know the beta version is installed when the firmware version changes from 5E135 to 6A238h. This process typically takes about 30 minutes.
Follow these steps to enable Developer Mode on your iPhone and update your AirPods Pro 2 firmware to the beta version easily.
FAQs
1. What should I do if I can’t find Developer Mode in the Settings on my iPhone?
If you can’t find Developer Mode in Settings > Privacy & Security, it means you need to follow the additional steps to enable it. Start by accessing the Apple developer site on your Mac and downloading Xcode 15 beta. Connect your iPhone to your Mac and follow the process to unlock Developer Mode.
2. Do I need a paid Apple developer account to download Xcode 15 beta?
You don’t need a paid Apple developer account. You can log in with your free Apple ID to access and download Xcode 15 beta from the Apple developer site.
3. Why do I need to uncheck iOS 17 when downloading Xcode 15 beta?
Unchecking iOS 17 during the Xcode 15 beta download helps to avoid downloading additional resources that are not necessary for enabling Developer Mode. This streamlines the process and saves time.
4. How can I ensure my AirPods Pro 2 will receive the beta firmware update?
Once Developer Mode is activated on your iPhone, go to Settings > Developer and enable Pre-release beta firmware for your AirPods Pro 2. Ensure your AirPods are in their charging case and close to your iPhone. The update will install automatically.
5. How do I verify that the beta firmware has been installed on my AirPods Pro 2?
To check if the beta firmware is installed, go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone, and tap the (i) icon next to your AirPods Pro 2. The firmware version should update from 5E135 to 6A238h once the installation is complete. This process typically takes about 30 minutes.
Conclusion
You can enable Developer Mode on your iPhone running iOS 17 beta and prepare your AirPods Pro 2 for the beta firmware update. This process involves accessing the Apple developer site, downloading and installing Xcode 15 beta on your Mac, connecting your iPhone to the Mac, and enabling Developer Mode on your iPhone.
Once Developer Mode is activated, you can set your AirPods Pro 2 to receive pre-release beta firmware updates. Although the update installation cannot be forced, it will occur automatically when your AirPods are near your iPhone and in their charging case. This setup ensures you can test and experience the latest beta firmware on your AirPods Pro 2, keeping you at the forefront of Apple’s new features and improvements.