Your AirPods are great for music and phone calls, but sometimes Apple needs to push updates to improve them. That’s where firmware updates come in.

Apple pushes updates for a variety of reasons. That includes new features, bug fixes, and more. But how do you trigger the update?

The simple answer is that you can’t manually update your AirPods or AirPods Pro, no matter which version you own. It’s not a question of compatibility but one of trust. Trust between Apple and, well, anyone.

Apple does have a manual update tool for AirPods Pro firmware, but it’s internal only, so only Apple-approved technicians can access it.

READ MORE: How to check your AirPods battery level

But all hope is not lost. Some users have found a trick that they claim helps spur updates. If you’re not an Apple-approved technician, here’s how you can try to update your AirPods’ firmware.

How to (possibly) speed up your AirPods firmware update

While there is no official way to speed up the updating process, some users have reported success using the following method.

From there, you’ll just need to wait. Admittedly, we don’t have high hopes for this method, but it is worth trying.

READ MORE: AirPods microphone not working? Here’s how to fix it

The only thing you really can do to trigger a firmware update on your AirPods is to wait. Can we suggest some meditation podcasts on Apple Music while you wait?

They won’t help you get a firmware update, but they’ll teach you how to be okay with waiting, and that’s invaluable.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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One of the best things about Apple AirPods is the ease of connection to other Apple products. At least, it is when they’re working correctly.

If you’re unlucky enough to start having connection issues, there’s a bunch of stuff you can try to get them working again before having to go into the Genius Bar.

So, why do my AirPods keep disconnecting?

Short answer: Your guess is as good as mine.

There’s no simple answer here, partly because of the number of extra features the AirPods have.

With any Bluetooth device, usually, connection issues are the first port of call, with toggling Bluetooth or re-pairing to the device fixing connection issues.

If your AirPods keep disconnecting from your iPhone, the second thing to check is the battery life, both on the AirPods and the battery in the charging case.

Why do my AirPods keep connecting and disconnecting?

Maybe one AirPod has a higher charge than the other, or the charge in the case is too low to recharge the buds.

Either way, recharging the case should get you bopping along to your iTunes library again.

If neither works, it’s often a physical issue and usually means warranty time. At least, that’s the case for most Bluetooth headsets.

Your Apple AirPods have little sensors that detect if they’re in your ear. That helps battery life, as they’re not blaring music the second you take them out of the case.

Those sensors get blocked easily, or maybe they’re not making enough contact with your ears, both of which make your AirPods think they’re not in, turning them off when you don’t want them to.

Here’s what to do if your AirPods keep disconnecting

First things first: Give them a clean, then see if the problem is fixed.

If that doesn’t do the trick, try these steps to help fix your AirPods from disconnecting:

1. Check the battery life of your AirPods. If they are low on battery, charge them.
2. Make sure your AirPods are within range of your device. AirPods range about 30 feet, so they may disconnect if you are too far away.
3. Try turning off any other devices that might be causing interference, such as a microwave or a cordless phone.
4. Reset your AirPods by holding the button on the back of the charging case for at least 15 seconds.
5. Update your device to the latest version of iOS or macOS.

If these steps don’t work, MacWorld has a longer troubleshooting list to try.

If your AirPods or just a single Airpod keeps disconnecting, it’s time to hit up that Genius Bar for some service.

Having issues connecting your AirPods to other devices? What methods have you tried? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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When it comes to connecting two pairs of AirPods to an iPhone, Apple doesn’t limit your ability.

If you have a second set of ears or want to share a song with someone else, pairing multiple AirPods to one device may be useful.

Can you connect two AirPods to one phone? Luckily, Apple’s iOS software has all the right features to make the magic happen.

The procedure isn’t complicated but does involve quite a few steps. Let’s run through the process of connecting two pairs of AirPods to one phone.

Connect two pairs of AirPods to one device

The short explanation of the process goes like this: connect your AirPods and then use AirPlay to send audio to both sets. In reality, it’s that simple, but sometimes we get lost along the way.

READ MORE: How to make AirPods and AirPods Pro louder

If you’d prefer to know the step-by-step procedure of connecting two AirPods to one device, you’ve come to the right place.

READ MORE: How to check your AirPods battery level

From the Control Center, you can deselect a pair of earbuds when you want to disconnect them.

Also, you should keep each set within Bluetooth range of your device to avoid losing the connection.

Do you need to connect two pairs of AirPods?

Situations where you would need to pair two sets of AirPods aren’t common, but they do occasionally arise.

READ MORE: Can you use AirPods on in-flight TVs?

If you connect to someone else’s earphones, you should remember to disconnect them when you’re done.

You wouldn’t want someone to discover your questionable taste in music accidentally.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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True wireless earbuds like Apple AirPods are great for work, home, and working out. But what about travel? More specifically, do they work on a plane?

At first thought, it seems obvious. But sometimes, things aren’t as simple as ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ While AirPods might technically work on an airplane, rules can change.

For example, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) rules over device use on aircraft. So what’s the deal with using your AirPods and AirPods Pro on a plane?

So, will AirPods work on a plane?

Short answer: Yes

Yes, your AirPods will work on a plane, and you can use them in the air. Airlines treat them no differently than wireless headphones.

However, you’ll have to enable your phone’s Airplane Mode to disable cellular radio. Then, turn Bluetooth back on. Thankfully, that’ll keep you inside the FAA’s rules.

READ MORE: AirFly connects your wireless headphones to in-flight entertainment systems

If your flight has onboard WiFi, you can connect that too. That’s all because, in 2013, the FAA relaxed its regulations on in-flight device use:

Can you use AirPods for phone calls on an airplane?

Sadly, no. The only thing you can’t do is make voice calls, even over WiFi, thanks to FCC regulations prohibiting airborne calls from using cell phones.

Do AirPods work with in-flight entertainment?

Ah, in-flight entertainment. The best way to snooze through red-eye transatlantic flights. But there’s a problem.

Airlines don’t often give out headphones for free anymore. That’s okay; most of us have earbuds in our pockets, but do your AirPods work on a plane to watch movies?

The answer is yes, but you’ll need an adapter to connect things. We like Twelve South’s AirFly range, which works with in-flight entertainment systems, or the TVs at your local gym.

AirPods work basically anywhere

So the next time you fly, remember that you can use your Apple AirPods in the air, at the terminal, or anywhere gate-to-gate as long as your phone is in Airplane Mode.

Where do you use your AirPods? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The study, published on Cell.com, questioned whether or not Apple’s AirPods could perform similar duties as dedicated hearing aids.

After all, Apple’s Live Listen feature turns iPhones into microphones that enhance the sound sent to AirPods.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids in the United States. But those can still cost thousands of dollars.

On the other hand, AirPods 2 run $129, and AirPods Pro will set you back $249. The study compared these two models to a couple of professional-grade hearing aids.

One hearing aid was more affordable, at $1,500, while the other was a premium $10,000 device.

Testing with 21 participants with mild to moderate hearing loss, the AirPods held their own. The AirPods 2 performed the worst in the test, but they still helped some users hear better.

The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, were very impressive. In noisy environments, the AirPods Pro performed similarly to the $1,500 hearing aid. That was helped by the built-in noise cancelation on the AirPods Pro.

However, the AirPods did run into issues with distracting noises coming from in front of the wearer.

The AirPods Pro noise cancelation worked well on eliminating distractions from either side, but the professional hearing aids outperformed the AirPods with distracting sounds coming from the front.

At the end of the day, the dedicated professional-grade hearing aids still outperformed Apple’s AirPods. However, they come with a much steeper price and a social stigma suggesting that hearing aids are only for older people.

AirPods remain much more affordable, and no one will think twice when they see someone wearing them. They’re not going to replace hearing aids completely, but the study shows they can be helpful.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The feature is called Live Listen, and it lets you turn your iPhone into a directional microphone, transforming it into an accessibility hearing aid of sorts.

Although it’s aimed at accessibility, AirPod users can abuse the feature by utilizing it as an unsuspecting spying device.

YouTuber Sam Sheffer shows off Live Listen below:

Pretty wild, right? 

Want to learn how to do it? This article will show you how to spy with AirPods or use them as a listening device in a few simple steps.

Whether you use these tips for good or bad, that’s your call. Use these tips wisely, but always be responsible.

How to turn your AirPods into a listening device

Here’s what you need:

1. Grab your AirPods and link them to your iPhone. (We’ve seen reports that you could possibly use any Bluetooth headphones, although we’ve not tested this)
   

   Image: Unsplash

2. Add the Live Listen feature to the Control Center. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Control Center > Hearing.
   

   Image: Cult of Mac

3.  Then activate Live Listen in Control Center.
   

   Image: Cult of Mac

4. Aim your phone at what you want to hear, just like those wacky directional microphones they use on spy shows.
   

   Image: Digitalfilmmaker.net

5. Voila! Audio gets piped into your AirPods, so you should hear people from across the room. Moreover, you can listen to music simultaneously, with one AirPod playing music and the other playing Live Listen’s feed.

How to listen to a conversation in another room with AirPods

Either way you slice it, you’re probably not going to feel great about yourself doing this, but sometimes it has to be done.

To pull this off, walk away and “accidentally” leave your iPhone on the table when you leave. Now, your iPhone is transmitting everything to your AirPods.

Effectively, you can listen to a conversation in another room and see if anyone says something interesting when you’re gone.

So there you have it, one of the best accessibility tools of recent memory turned into a spying tool for you paranoid types.

Just remember, if you’ve read this – your target probably has too.

Plan on trying this out? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Why is that? Because you can connect them to any Bluetooth-compatible device, including a Samsung smart TV. 

Paring your AirPods or AirPods Pro to Samsung TV can be handy if you want to watch a show or movie without disturbing others in the room.

Additionally, it can be helpful if you’re trying to follow along with a show with a lot of dialogue, as AirPods can make hearing easier.

In short, it is a great way to improve your TV-watching experience, and it only takes a minute of your time to set up.

In this guide, we will show you how to connect your AirPods or AirPods Pro to a Samsung smart TV in a few easy steps.

Pair AirPods or AirPods Pro to Samsung smart TV

Follow the step-by-step guide below to learn how to pair your AirPods:

Check your Samsung TV’s manual

The first step is to check your TV’s manual to see if it supports Bluetooth.

A simple Google search will do the trick if you know the model ID. Most Samsung smart TVs released in and after 2016 support Bluetooth connectivity.

Place the AirPods in their case

Next, you will need to put your AirPods in their case.

Once placed, press and hold the button on the back of the case until the light on the front starts blinking white.

Open your Samsung TV’s Bluetooth Settings & connect AirPods

Once your AirPods are in their case and ready to connect, head to your Samsung TV’s settings menu. Look for the Bluetooth setting and turn it on.

The sound quality is likely to be suitable for most. However, you can’t control the volume from the AirPods themselves. Instead, you can use your Samsung TV remote for this. 

Wrapping up

Thanks to Bluetooth, connecting your AirPods or AirPods Pro to a Samsung smart TV is super straightforward. It’s also a great way to watch any of your guilty pleasures discreetly.

While pairing is quick and easy, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. Mainly, they just deliver audio, and that’s it. No advanced features like Siri or gesture controls.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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That would mean the AirPods Pro that is expected later this year will still use the Lightning port. We’re not expecting AirPods 4 until next year at least.

But, if supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is correct, the AirPods 4 will include a USB-C charging case when they eventually do release.

“I predict Apple will launch USB-C-capable charging cases for all AirPods models in 2023. However, the charging case of the new AirPods Pro 2 launched in 2H22 may still support Lightning,” says Ming-Chi Kuo.

Apple is also expected to move to USB-C on the iPhone 15 next year. That’s ahead of the European Union’s 2024 deadline for mobile phone manufacturers to use USB-C as the common charging port.

Kuo doesn’t think that Apple will stop there. Back in May, he predicted that every other Lightning port-equipped device will switch to USB-C.

That list includes the Magic Mouse/Keyboard/Trackpad, MagSafe Battery, and all AirPods models.

We can’t wait. Seriously. Having to carry a Lightning cable as well as USB-C and USB-A and micro-USB cables around is a hassle. Even our power tools recharge via USB-C now. Apple needs to do this or get left behind.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Hundreds of millions of units have been sold since the earbuds launched in 2016, with over 90 million units being sold in the final quarter of 2021 alone.

With so many AirPods floating around out there, it’s understandable that you want a way to personalize them so they don’t get mixed up with someone else’s. 

Here are seven ideas for ways to make your AirPods stand out from the crowd.

Get your AirPods engraved

If you have yet to order your latest pair of AirPods, definitely consider buying them directly from Apple. Apple offers the ability to engrave the front of the AirPods case with letters and emojis — all at no extra charge.

You can choose from two-letter styles, any number, and a limited selection of emojis as well.

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If you live with a family or work in an office where everyone seems to have AirPods, getting your case engraved will help you to keep track of your own pair and prevent confusion in case there’s a mix-up.

This is also a great extra touch to add to AirPods that you are planning to give to someone else.

Choose the perfect case

Just as with any other piece of technology, AirPods can be both customized and protected with an AirPods case cover. Depending on the design, cases can also help keep the lids closed.

There are reports of the magnets unsticking, allowing the lid to come open and potentially causing the AirPods to fall out.

Silicone is the most common material for an AirPods Pro case, but you can also find some hard plastic ones that provide extra protection if you tend to drop yours a lot.

Choose a design or color that reflects your personality, and make sure that the case comes with a sturdy carabiner or loop so that you can attach it to your bag while you’re on the go.

Get an AirPods strap

Due to the headphones’ one size fits all approach, some people find that the AirPods don’t fit as securely in their ears as they would like. This means that one or both AirPods can fall out of your ears while you are walking, running, or working out.

You can temporarily turn your AirPods into a wired pair of earbuds by attaching a silicone strap to each post and placing the strap around your neck.

This way, the AirPods will stay attached to the strap if they happen to fall out of your ear, making it easy to simply grab it and place it back in your ear instead of scrambling around on the ground trying to find it.

Buy a wireless charger

Apple introduced wireless charging with the AirPods 2. If you have that generation or later, then you should definitely consider getting a wireless charger if you don’t already have one.

Keep in mind that not all AirPods cases are wireless charging compatible, so you might need to take the case off in order to charge them wirelessly.

The classic disc-shaped wireless chargers will work just fine, or you can invest in a dedicated AirPods case holder that will perfectly fit the case for optimal alignment and faster charging.

Having a dock will also stop you from misplacing the case since it will now have a dedicated spot on your nightstand or desk.

Try out some ear hooks

If your AirPods simply will not stay in your ear, then some silicone ear hooks might just do the trick. This AirPods accessory slips over the post of the earbuds.

Simply put the earbuds in place like normal and then guide the soft silicone hooks over the tops of your ears. The one downside is that you do have to take the hooks off to put the AirPods back in the case.

You might not want to do it every time you use the headphones, but it’s a great solution for whenever you are running, working out, or doing another activity where you need the extra secure fit.

Try a Bluetooth transmitter for travel

One of the downsides of AirPods for frequent travelers is that you can’t plug them into devices that don’t have native Bluetooth connectivity. This can make it difficult to watch in-flight entertainment on the screen in front of you.

Thankfully, there is a device that you can buy, called a Bluetooth transmitter dongle, to give yourself the capability to connect to any device with a headphone jack.

READ MORE: Can you use AirPods on in-flight TVs?

The dongle plugs into the headphone jack and then pairs with your earbuds so that you can listen to whatever is playing on the TV.

You do need to remember to keep the dongle charged, but if you don’t want to carry around two pairs of headphones, this is a great workaround that will allow you to use your AirPods with in-flight television.

Consider an AirPods holder

Okay, yes, you can technically put your AirPods back in the case when you need to talk with someone for a couple of seconds, but where’s the fun in that?

If you tend to just hold your AirPods or throw them down on your desk in these situations, getting an AirPods holder for specific scenarios will help you keep track of them.

For instance, you can get a little silicone holder that slides onto your Apple Watch band if you tend to take your earbuds in and out a lot while you walk.

An AirPods stand with little magnets will ensure that you don’t lose track of them on your desk again — not to mention add some personality to your office area as well.

In addition to customizing the appearance of your AirPods with accessories, there’s also a lot you can do under the hood, including setting the long and short presses.

While that won’t help you distinguish your pair of headphones from someone else’s, it will make your AirPods experience more enjoyable.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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AirPods are generally reliable and a favorite among Apple fans. But there are some issues that you can run into while using the device.

The microphone on the AirPods let you activate Siri or talk on your phone while it stays in your pocket. So it can be extremely frustrating if the AirPods’ microphone isn’t working.

Try out these steps below to troubleshoot some possible issues with your AirPods’ microphone not working.

Make sure your AirPods are adequately charged

This option is less of a fix and more of a suggestion. If your AirPods are running extremely low on battery power, they can start acting weirdly.

You may notice that the microphone on your AirPods stops working if the battery is too low. If that’s the case, charge your AirPods back up for 30 minutes or an hour and try again.

While this isn’t the most likely culprit, it’s definitely worth mentioning. Sometimes your AirPods just need a little extra juice to get them working properly once again.

Clean the AirPods’ microphone port

The first option that you should try out is cleaning the microphone port on your AirPods. Each AirPod has its own microphone, so you’ll need to make sure both are clean if you want them to work properly.

Dust and dirt particles tend to find their way into the small ports on AirPods. If enough dirt finds its way into the port, it can effectively mute the microphone as no sound will be able to pass through.

Locate the ports that house the microphones on your AirPods. The microphones are located near the end of the stem, closest to where your mouth will be.

Use something soft, like a q-tip, to clean out any debris from the port to open up the airwaves for your microphones. If you notice a lot of build-up, cleaning these ports could very well fix your microphone not working problem.

Restart your iPhone or other connected device

If you’ve tried cleaning out the ports and you are still having problems with the microphone on your AirPods, there are still some troubleshooting options that you can try.

While “have you tried turning it off and back on again?” has become one of the most memed tech support suggestions, it actually seems to work. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run into a bug on my phone or computer that fixes itself with a simple reboot.

And that can work for your AirPods as well. If you notice that your microphone is not working while your AirPods are connected, try turning your iPhone off and back on again.

This can reset some of the phone’s internal functions, like sound and microphone drivers, and often can fix your microphone problem.

Reset the Bluetooth connection for your AirPods

After you try resetting your iPhone (or whatever device is connected to your AirPods) and your AirPods mic is still not working, you may need to try resetting the Bluetooth connection.

The first way to do this is to place your AirPods back in their case for 30 seconds. This will reset the connection and could possibly fix your AirPods’ microphone.

But if that doesn’t work, you can try forgetting the AirPods on your device and then pairing them again after a few minutes. This is more of a hard reset of the Bluetooth connection and has a better chance of fixing the microphone. Here’s how to do it using an iPhone.

1. Open Settings and navigate to Bluetooth

2. Find your AirPods and tap the i

3. Tap Forget this Device and confirm

After you finish unpairing your AirPods from your iPhone, pair them again and see if your microphone is working.

If this still doesn’t fix the problem, we’re running short on options. There’s still one more thing you can try before contacting Apple support, however.

Check your AirPods’ microphone settings

If all of the methods above have failed in getting the microphone on your AirPods working again, there is one last-ditch effort that you can try. It involves going into your menus to check the microphone settings for your device.

Again, both AirPods in a set have microphones. That allows them to capture optimal sound when they are in use. And because of that, there’s a specific setting in your iPhone that lets you specify which microphone you will use.

By default, your AirPods will automatically choose the best microphone. This is the best option since your AirPods will decide which microphone works best each time so it picks up your voice clearly every time.

There’s a chance that you may have changed this default setting at some point to prioritize one AirPod over the other. This can cause problems when one microphone isn’t working correctly, maybe because the battery is low.

Therefore, it’s best to use the Automatic option for your AirPods microphone. Here’s where to find it.

1. Make sure your AirPods are actively connected to your iPhone
2. Navigate to Settings then tap Bluetooth

3. Find your AirPods on the list and tap the i

4. Tap the Microphone option

5. Select Automatically Switch AirPods

Again, it’s best to use the Automatic option for the microphones in your AirPods. That way, one mic will work even if the other one isn’t.

If you tried everything up to here and still haven’t found a fix, unfortunately, your next step is to contact Apple support.

If all else fails, contact Apple support

So, we’ve reached the part of the article that most of you were likely trying to avoid. After trying all of the steps mentioned above and you still find that the microphone isn’t working on your AirPods, it’s time to contact Apple’s customer support.

At this point, it looks like your AirPods are damaged or defective and that is what’s causing the microphone not to work. And your only real option at this point is to contact Apple support and see how they can help.

Fortunately, a lot of defects may be covered under Apple’s warranty policies and you may be able to get your AirPods fixed for free. You can check out this support page for more information about Apple’s repair policies when it comes to AirPods.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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At present, the company hasn’t announced anything regarding the next iteration of its Pro earbuds, but there has already been a lot of speculation. Sources close to the company have said the new AirPods Pro 2 will feature an updated stemless design and new sensors for fitness tracking.

But when can we expect to see the new earbuds? As stated above, the company has not yet announced any new buds, but it definitely looks like Apple is at least working on them. Here’s when we think we can expect the AirPods Pro 2.

When will AirPods Pro 2 come out?

Short answer: Late 2022, probably

Everything that we’ve seen so far points to a late 2022 release of the new AirPods Pro 2. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has speculated that we will likely see the next AirPods Pro sometime during the fourth quarter of 2022.

UPDATE 5/10/2022 8:26 AM ET: According to Bloomberg’s “Power On” newsletter by Mark Gurman, Apple will be releasing its “new AirPods Pro in the fall.” This will coincide with the rest of Apple’s fall product lineup in 2022.

Kuo says that the AirPods Pro 2 are going to ditch the stem altogether in favor of a new shape that resembles the Beats Fit Pro. The new earbuds will likely feature an upgraded chip for faster, better connections, as well.

Of course, this is all still speculation. Apple has not announced the AirPods Pro 2, so we don’t have any sort of official release date for the earbuds quite yet.

READ MORE: Will AirPods Pro 2 get longer battery life?

What do you think? Do you think we’ll see the next AirPods Pro come out in 2022, and if so will you be picking up a pair for yourself? Let us know down below.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Do you know how to update your AirPods firmware?
• It looks like the next Apple AirPods Pro are going to have a brand new design
• Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds are causing some users painful ear infections
• Can I use bleach on my AirPods?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post When will the AirPods Pro 2 come out? appeared first on KnowTechie.

If you own a pair of AirPods or AirPods Pro, it’s nice to quickly figure out how much battery life you have remaining.

We’ll show you the best ways to check your battery life on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. That way, you’ll know how much AirPods and AirPods Pro battery life you have left in the tank.

As a bonus, most of these methods also show you how much charge is left in the case.

How to check your AirPods battery life across Apple devices

Regardless of what Apple device you have your AirPods attached to, you can check the battery life in just a few steps.

How to check your AirPods battery life on iPhone and iPad

On your iPhone or iPad you’ve got three options for checking AirPods battery life:

1. Hold the AirPods case near your iPhone or iPad, then flip the case open. You’ll see an animated pop-up of your AirPods and their case.

2. Add one of the three battery widgets to your Home Screen or a different screen. You’ll need at least one AirPod in the case to see the case’s battery percentage.

3. Tap the AirPlay icon (the square with the triangle). It can be located in the Control Center, audio apps, or your Lock Screen. You will see your AirPods battery percentage if connected to your iPhone or iPad.

Now you know how to find out the battery percentage on your iPhone or iPad. Let’s go through the rest of the Apple devices.

How to check your AirPods battery life on Mac

READ MORE: AirPods microphone not working? Here’s how to fix it

On your Mac, it’s quick to check the battery level of your AirPods:

1. Make sure your AirPods are connected, then flip up the case while near the Mac

2. Click the Bluetooth icon at the top right corner

You’ll get a drop-down that will show your AirPods battery levels. To see the charge left in the case, have at least one AirPod in the case while the lid is open.

How to check the AirPods battery on Apple Watch

Finally, you can check your AirPods battery life directly from your Apple Watch:

1. Connect your AirPods to your Apple Watch

2. Swipe up from the bottom edge to open Control Center

3. Tap the battery percent icon

That will show you the battery life of your Apple Watch at the top, then your AirPods, and the reserve in your AirPods Case.

This method will also show the battery life of your AirPods if they’re connected to your iPhone, instead of to your Apple Watch.

Other options

If you’re unable to get to your other devices, or can’t reach them, you’ve still got some options.

Siri: This provides a hands-free way of checking the battery. Say “Siri, AirPods battery?” and she’ll tell you all you want to know.

Case LED: Okay, this doesn’t exactly give you exact amounts, but it still works. While your AirPods are in the case, flip the lid open. The LED will be green if your AirPods are fully charged.

When the AirPods aren’t in the case, that LED shows the charge status of the case. Green is fully charged; Amber is less than one full charge remaining.

AirPods battery tone: Each individual AirPod will play a tone when it gets to 10-percent battery life, and then another tone before it completely runs out of juice.

Now you know everything you need to know about keeping informed on the battery level of your AirPods. If you find your battery is draining faster than you think it should, it’s time to contact Apple Support.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to connect two AirPods to one phone
• Here’s how to screen record on iPhone
• How to make AirPods and AirPods Pro louder
• How to factory reset your iPhone

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to check your AirPods battery level appeared first on KnowTechie.

If you have an Apple Music subscription and the right hardware, you can access songs designed for spatial audio and experience content in three awesome dimensions. For other media, spatialize stereo is still an option.

Let’s discuss how to use spatial audio in macOS.

Which devices support spatial audio?

READ MORE: How to add a printer to Mac

To enjoy spatial audio on your Mac, you’ll need to use a compatible set of headphones or earbuds.

Here’s a list of Apple devices that support spatial audio:

• AirPods Pro
• AidPods Max
• AirPods (3rd generation)
• Compatible Beats headphones and earbuds

While most modern Apple listening devices support spatial audio, third-party alternatives are also an option.

How to activate spatial audio in macOS

If you want to take your music to the next level, here’s how to listen with spatial audio on a Mac:

When you enable head tracking, the audio adjusts based on the position of your head. The feature may be more relevant to movies rather than songs but does produce an interesting effect.

READ MORE: How to quickly convert images on a Mac using Quick Actions

With that said, head-tracked spatial audio could add a compelling dimension to live performances.

If you don’t want your Mac tracking your head, you can select the Fixed option instead, which still provides surround sound.

When you play content through Safari and some other apps, including Apple TV, you’ll receive the option for spatialize stereo instead.

READ MORE: 4 of the best apps for freeing up space on Mac

The feature allows you to enable three-dimensional audio when consuming media that doesn’t use Dolby Atmos. Therefore, even if you don’t have an Apple Music subscription, you can still experience a touch of spatialization.

Spatial audio has potential

Spatial audio brings the perks of surround sound to headphones and earbuds. While the concept isn’t exactly new, head tracking adds an interesting dimension to the feature.

Spatial audio may not be exciting to the casual music consumer, but the technology has the potential to seriously shine in other mediums, such as movies and VR.

The next logical step for Apple is to figure out how to beam sounds directly into our brains. That feature is undoubtedly coming soon.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to customize your Dock on Mac and make it special
• Here’s how to type letter accents and special characters on a Mac
• How to quickly record your Mac’s screen
• Sleep vs. shutdown: what’s better for your Mac?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to listen to spatial audio on a Mac appeared first on KnowTechie.

If you are new to AirPods, one of the first things you will want to learn is how to make them louder. And even if you have been using AirPods or AirPods Pro for a while now, you may not know all of the different ways that you can adjust their volume.

In this article, we demonstrate how you can make AirPods louder using conventional methods. We’ll also show you how to enhance your AirPod experience by adjusting the settings to optimize your earbuds.

Using volume controls on your app

Using the volume in an app is one of the most straightforward options to increase the volume on your AirPods or AirPods Pro. It’s especially easy when listening to a podcast, music, or watching a video on a specific app. You can simply use the app’s volume slider to make the volume louder in your earbuds.

READ MORE: How to check your AirPods battery level

If your device is equipped with touchscreen technology, you can increase the volume with your finger. But if you’re using your AirPods or AirPods pro with a MacBook, which doesn’t have a touchscreen, you will need to turn up the volume using your mouse.

Siri voice command

READ MORE: AirPods microphone not working? Here’s how to fix it

Sometimes, even maxing out the volume on your app doesn’t do quite enough. In this case, you can try the Siri voice command. Fortunately, one of the earbuds’ features is the ability to command Siri whenever you want.

Using Siri and not your hands is easier for people on the move as they can make AirPods and AirPods Pro louder without pulling out their phone, unlocking it, opening the app, and finally turning the volume up.

However, there is a trick to commanding Siri to turn up the volume. Depending on the model of your AirPods or AirPods Pro, you have three different options. Here’s how you can command Siri using the various AirPod models (AirPods 1, 2, and AirPods Pro or AirPods 3).

AirPods Pro or AirPods 3  

The default mode for AirPods Pro or AirPods 3 is that Siri is always on standby mode, waiting for your command. Unless you have temporarily deactivated this feature, you should be able to activate Siri relatively easily.

All you have to do is say the sentence “Hey Siri, turn up the volume” when the earbuds are active. Alternatively, you can customize the AirPod sensors to do different tasks on a specific tap, double-tap, or long-press in order to make Siri increase the volume.

AirPods 2

Customization options in AirPods 2 are a bit more limited than AirPods 3. Nevertheless, it is possible to say “Hey Siri” while using the earbuds. Another option is to go into Settings and enable Siri to respond to a double-tap on one of the earbuds.

AirPods 1

For AirPods 1, you first have to double-tap one of your AirPods to activate Siri. Then, you can say, “Hey Siri, increase volume.” You’ll want to be careful, as the volume sometimes is raised far too much, which could end up hurting your ears.

It is better to use percentages to avoid this problem. For example, you can say something like “Raise the volume by 30%.” That way, you won’t damage your ears, and you can still ask Siri for more if that’s not quite enough.

Using the volume buttons on your device

Most mobile devices, including iPhones, have two volume buttons on the side. If you don’t want to go into the app and increase the volume for any reason, just use the volume buttons without unlocking your screen.

Volume buttons are available on other devices like Apple Watch or the AirPods Max. The AirPods Max features a Digital Crown that you can use to change the volume right there on the headset.

Noise cancelation and transparency modes

We often make AirPods and AirPods Pro louder to better enjoy the content we are listening to or watching.

However, it might cause hearing loss when your ears are constantly exposed to high volume. Instead of increasing the volume, you can use active noise cancelation or transparency mode to enjoy the audio. Unfortunately, these two modes are only available on AirPods Pro.

All background noises will be eliminated using the noise cancelation mode, so you don’t need to keep increasing the volume. But what about transparency mode? How does it help you?

The function of transparency mode has to do with environmental safety. It will let some sound in so that you can hear in case an accident happens around you or somebody is calling you, etc. It gives you some of the benefits of active noise canceling without completely cutting you off from the world around you.

Tips and tricks for AirPods volume

In addition to the aforementioned options, you can still dig into the details of how to make AirPods and AirPods Pro louder. The following tips and tricks will help you understand the reasons why your AirPods or AirPods Pro are so quiet.

Low Power Mode

When the battery power level is low, your iPhone will go to the Low Power mode. As a result, some functions might be temporally interrupted. Therefore, your phone might deliberately decrease sound to save energy.

Volume Limit setting

Because high volume levels can potentially harm your ears, sometimes, your iPhone will limit the volume by default, so you cannot increase the volume on AirPods or AirPods Pro anymore. This setting might be automatically activated in your region. So, if it bothers you, just turn it off.

Cleaning your AirPods or AirPods Pro

Even minor, unnoticeable issues such as grime and earwax in your AirPods or AirPods Pro might cause issues with your earbuds’ sound level. You’ll want to clean your AirPods regularly, but avoid using potentially harmful chemical detergents! A clean cotton swab with some alcohol on it does the job.

Final thoughts

AirPods and AirPod Pros are excellent high-tech devices because there are often many ways to deal with a particular issue. For example, you change the volume of your AirPods or AirPods Pro in several ways.

This article covers just about every way that you can change the volume of your AirPods, including some troubleshooting options. Hopefully, you’ve learned everything you need to know about adjusting the volume in your Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Will the AirPods Pro 2 feature fitness tracking?
• How to connect two AirPods to one phone
• Here’s how to update your AirPods firmware
• Will AirPods Pro 2 get longer battery life?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to make AirPods and AirPods Pro louder appeared first on KnowTechie.

That’s good news for Apple Music fans, who started getting Lossless quality options last year. When the Lossless audio option arrived, users needed external hardware as none of Apple’s wireless headphones could play the new codec. That’s down to all the existing Apple headphones using Bluetooth for their connectivity.

If Kuo is right, and he usually is, the Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) is going to be supported on the upcoming Apple AirPods Pro 2. Apple might roll its own connectivity option for AirPods Pro 2 to enable the bandwidth necessary for Lossless streaming.

We expect Apple to launch AirPods Pro 2 in 4Q22 with new selling points, including a new form factor design, support for Apple Lossless (ALAC) format, and a charging case that can emit a sound for users to track. We are optimistic about the demand for AirPods Pro 2 and estimate shipments will reach 18–20mn units in 2022. – Ming-Chi Kuo

Kuo also thinks that the addition of Lossless audio will drive sales, and we agree. It will be a compelling reason to upgrade from any of Apple’s other headphones, including the over-ear AirPods Max.

The research note by Kuo also mentions a new charging case, which has a speaker on it to emit sound. This is likely to integrate with the Find My app and enable being able to search for the case and the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds independently.

Expect an announcement from Apple before the end of 2022, with Kuo sticking by his fourth-quarter prediction for their release. He didn’t say whether the rumored fitness tracking features will come to the AirPods Pro 2 or to a future, unnamed release.

Editor’s recommendations:

• Will the AirPods Pro 2 feature fitness tracking?
• When will the AirPods Pro 2 come out?
• What will Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 look like?
• Will AirPods Pro 2 get longer battery life?

The post The AirPods Pro 2 could have lossless audio support appeared first on KnowTechie.

Revelations from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple will likely be releasing the AirPods Pro 2 sometime during the end of 2022. It also looks like the earbuds are receiving a significant design change, possibly losing the iconic stem that hangs down from your ears.

But what other kind of features can we expect from the new earbuds? One feature that is noticeably missing from the original AirPods Pro is fitness tracking. Could we expect to see some kind of fitness tracking with the AirPods Pro 2?

Will the AirPods Pro 2 have fitness tracking?

Short answer: Yes, probably

From what we’ve seen so far, it looks like the next version of the AirPods Pro will, indeed, feature some sort of fitness tracking. Ming-Chi Kuo revealed the possible updated design for the earbuds in late 2021, and they seem to also feature new sensors designed specifically for fitness tracking.

READ MORE: Will AirPods Pro 2 get longer battery life?

Now, this is all just speculation. Apple hasn’t even announced anything about the possible AirPods Pro 2 yet. But Kuo is a well-known analyst who is usually pretty spot on about anything Apple-related.

What do you think? Apple already has fitness tracking available on Apple Watch devices, so do you think the company will also add the feature to its next AirPods Pro? Let us know what you think down below.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Do you know how to update your AirPods firmware?
• It looks like the next Apple AirPods Pro are going to have a brand new design
• Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds are causing some users painful ear infections
• Can I use bleach on my AirPods?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Will the AirPods Pro 2 feature fitness tracking? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Sure, we got a MagSafe-compatible case in 2021, but that’s more of a convenience upgrade. Thanks to some reliable leakers, we might have a handle on how the Apple AirPods Pro 2 will look.

So, what are the AirPods Pro 2 going to look like?

Short answer: They could lose the ‘stems’

The first upgrade for the AirPods Pro since its release in 2019 might completely change the design. You’ve already seen how it might go, as the Beats Studio Buds are very similar.

READ MORE: Will the AirPods Pro 2 feature fitness tracking?

Yes, that means the ‘stems’ could disappear on the next AirPods Pro. We’re not quite sure what that means for touch control; as the stems have the Apple Force Sensor that handles media playback and calling Siri.

Japanese blog Macotakara says the charging case is also getting a redesign. It’s going to be similar to the size of the new AirPods 3. Maybe that means the case will also be waterproof, as the AirPods 3 is the only waterproof charging case that Apple makes.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Do you know how to update your AirPods firmware?
• It looks like the next Apple AirPods Pro are going to have a brand new design
• Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds are causing some users painful ear infections
• Can I use bleach on my AirPods?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post What will Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 look like? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Battery technology has improved drastically, even in the last two years. Faster charging methods, better versions of lithium or graphite technology, and other advancements have combined to make our devices last longer than ever.

With the new AirPods Pro 2 coming next year, will Apple stick to its current tech or will the company introduce new features that improve the battery life?

So, will AirPods Pro 2 come with improved battery life?

Short answer: Most likely, but nothing is confirmed.

Apple hasn’t said anything at all about specifications for the AirPods Pro 2 yet. We don’t expect to hear the battery capacity once the specs are announced, as Apple prefers to talk in battery life and not mAh. What we do know is that the AirPods 3 have better battery life than both the AirPods 2 and the AirPods Pro.

It’s probably a safe bet to say the AirPods Pro 2 will get a similar improvement to battery life. There’s a lot Apple can do to achieve this, including new, power-sipping chips, different battery materials, and other design tweaks.

READ MORE: 10 tips to improve your iPhone’s battery life

Apple might have popularized the true wireless headphone product category, but it’s falling behind the pack. Better battery life on the new AirPods Pro 2 is a must to retake their crown.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Do you know how to update your AirPods firmware?
• It looks like the next Apple AirPods Pro are going to have a brand new design
• Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds are causing some users painful ear infections
• Can I use bleach on my AirPods?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Will AirPods Pro 2 get longer battery life? appeared first on KnowTechie.

I take comfort in knowing I’m not the only one in this situation. Today, most of us have a bunch of random gadgets that we need to have charged up before waking up the next day.

Thankfully, there are a wealth of products that address this, but I wouldn’t place any of these on my nightstand for the most part. Again, I’m not knocking anyone who has them, but I don’t think my wife would even physically let me. 

READ MORE: The LK100 wireless charger stand can charge 3 devices at a time

Then I came across a company called NYTSTND. The company manufactures wireless charging docks that are like mini works of art, handcrafted out of premium leather and polished wood. And what’s even wilder is that they’re made from Amish woodworking communities based in the Midwest.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been using the company’s Quad Tray MagSafe wireless charging station, and I have to say, it’s solved a lot of my charging problems. There are no more cluttered cables on my nightstand, and I no longer have to ask my wife where my charging brick is. Instead, it blends right into my nightstand like it actually belongs there. 

The device will set you back $234, and it’s capable of charging four devices at a time. It features a five-coil surface charging area which means you can wirelessly charge an iPhone 12 (or higher), Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. Additionally, it works with any Qi-compatible device, though the company recommends using MagSafe since it performs better. 

Another neat little thing I like about this wireless charging dock is its tray area. You can store your keys, wallet, or whatever you need to unload from your pocket next to your phone. I know this isn’t a big deal, but the more stuff I can keep contained, the less I have to hear about it from my wife. I can be a major slob sometimes, so it’s totally warranted. 

Clocking in at $234, this is undoubtedly an expensive charging dock. Sure, there’s a ton of them you can find on Amazon for under $50, but they’re certainly not going to come close to the build quality or look as good as what NYTSTND has to offer. And not to mention, most of them won’t even work with Apple’s new MagSafe standard. 

The Quad Tray MagSafe wireless charging station is just one of the company’s many options in charging stations. Of course, the more devices you have to charge, the more the price. Prices range from $129 to $234, and there’s plenty of choices and color options to choose from. Learn more at NYSTND’s website here. 

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Bowers & Wilkins PI7 true wireless earbuds – great wireless earbuds with a twist
• Review: Duex Plus portable monitor – a nice, slightly pricey, way to get more from your laptop
• Review: Eufy HomeVac H30 – a modular cordless vacuum that doesn’t suck
• Review: G-Shock Move Pro smartwatch – Wear OS toughens up

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Review: NYSTND Quad Tray MagSafe wireless charging dock appeared first on KnowTechie.

This week, the company’s highly anticipated third-generation of AirPods finally hit the market, and reviewers have already gotten their hands on the new earbuds.

The AirPods 3, or 3rd Generation as Apple is calling them, features a pretty big design overhaul, bringing them closer in line with the higher-end AirPods Pro. The earbuds also feature a decent upgrade in sound with a new custom driver.

The AirPods 3 seem to be presented as a sort of middle ground between the second-generation earbuds and the Pros. The price of the new earbuds is situated right in between the two, at $179, and they include significant upgrades over the AirPods 2, but lack a few premium features found in the Pros.

Let’s see what people think of the new AirPods 3 so far.

The new design closely resembles the AirPods Pro

The AirPods 3 have been completely redesigned to more closely resemble the premium Pros. TechCrunch says the 3rd generation buds are “unquestionably more comfortable than their predecessors.”

But they’re still not up to par with the Pros. The same review goes on to say, “the gulf between [the AirPods 3rd Generation] and the Pros feels like night and day.”

The redesign of these earbuds seems to be more focused on the stem. This time around, Apple shortened up the stem to have a more compact look.

The shape of the earpiece on the new AirPods is also closer to the Pros, but it lacks the silicone ear tip found on the Pros. Engadget calls the new design a “blend of the original AirPods design and the AirPods Pro, with some modifications.” Essentially, the new AirPods seem to fit more like the original earbuds, but with a shorter stem.

But what about sound and performance?

So the comfort of the AirPods 3 has been improved, but what about the performance? Apple upgraded the earbuds this time around with IPX4 water-resistance as well as upgraded battery life. A six-hour life on the earbuds and 30 additional hours through the case give you a total of a day and a half of playback time without having to use the new MagSafe charging on the case.

And of course, the sound quality had been improved. Apple fit the AirPods 3 with “a custom driver and high dynamic range amplifier that together produce rich consistent bass with crisp, clean high frequencies.” Andrew Liszewski of Gizmodo even says, “I actually find myself reaching for them over my AirPods Pro.”

The overall sound of the AirPods 3 seems to have been greatly improved. CNET’s review says the AirPods 3 “deliver richer, fuller sound with more detail and better bass.”

But the AirPods 3 are missing an important feature that sets the Pros apart from the cheaper versions. The new earbuds don’t have Active Noise Cancellation, which may be a deal-breaker for some. The Verge even points this out as a downside of the earbuds, saying “they let in a ton of outside noise.”

So what’s the verdict on the AirPods 3?

Despite missing out on a few features that you can find in the Pros, the newest addition from Apple seems to be a solid entry. The design of the earbuds seems to be improved and, though not as nice as the Pros, most people are happy with the upgrade.

Sound and performance have been improved as well. You won’t get Active Noise Cancellation with the AirPods 3, but they’re also a lot cheaper than the Pros. You can snag a pair of these earbuds for $179, compared to $249 for a pair of the Pros.

Gizmodo – “Much Better Than the Old AirPods”
TechCrunch – “Notable step up from their predecessors in terms of features and sound”
CNBC – “The best option for most people”
CNET – “They actually sound good now!”
The Verge – “The new regular AirPods get a lot right.”

At this price, these earbuds seem to fit right in the middle of the three options available from Apple today. The newer earbuds feature some performance and design upgrades over the $129 AirPods 2, but they’re not quite as impressive as the Pros.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Bowers & Wilkins PI7 true wireless earbuds – great wireless earbuds with a twist
• Apple Wallet now supports COVID-19 vaccine cards with iOS 15.1 — here’s how to add yours
• Apple’s macOS Monterey is now ready for download – here’s how to get it
• This simple macOS app makes the notch on the new MacBook Pro disappear

The post Review Roundup: Should you upgrade to Apple’s new AirPods? Let’s see what reviewers are saying appeared first on KnowTechie.