Like iPhones, Apple regularly updates AirPods with new features. iOS 18 will continue that trend by introducing several enhancements for Apple’s earbuds. They include interacting with Siri using head gestures, lowering audio latency while gaming, and more.
Read on to see what new AirPods features iOS 18 will bring to further improve the best earbuds for Apple fans.
How iOS 18 will improve AirPods: 4 new features
iOS 18, which is available now in Settings > General > Software Update, brings lots of new features to your iPhone. But it also will enhance the AirPods experience. Apple continuously improves its wireless earbuds, adding useful new features. This helps AirPods stand out against offerings from Sony, Bose and others.
Note that these new AirPods features will arrive as a part of a firmware update alongside iOS 18. So, you’ll need to update your iPhone to iOS 18 first and then ensure your AirPods are running the latest firmware available to enjoy these features.
Table of contents: iOS 18 will improve AirPods with 4 new features
- Say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Siri using head gestures
- Voice Isolation
- Lower audio latency
- Personalized Spatial Audio for games
1. Say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Siri using head gestures
Photo: Apple
The biggest improvement coming to the AirPods with iOS 18 is hands-free Siri interactions. You can already trigger Apple’s voice assistant by saying “Siri” with the AirPods in your ear. Once iOS 18 lands, you can interact with Siri with a simple nod or shake of your head. A gentle nod means yes, while a shake will mean no. This new AirPods Pro feature should allow you to seamlessly take phone calls, dismiss alarms, etc.
Note: This feature is only available with second-generation AirPods Pro.
2. Voice Isolation feature coming to second-gen AirPods Pro in iOS 18
Photo: Apple
Taking a cue from the iPhone, Apple plans to bring Voice Isolation to the AirPods Pro in iOS 18. As the name indicates, the feature will filter out background noise to ensure that your voice sounds crystal clear during calls. Apple says it will achieve this through advanced computational audio.
Note: This feature is also only available with second-generation AirPods Pro.
3. Lower audio latency
iOS 18 will introduce a new Game Mode on the iPhone to reduce the AirPods’ audio latency. When gaming, this will help ensure the audio reaches your ear faster than before.
Note: This feature is yet another new AirPods feature coming in iOS 18 that’s only available with second-generation AirPods Pro.
4. AirPods add personalized Spatial Audio feature for games in iOS 18
Another gaming-related improvement coming to the AirPods with iOS 18 is support for personalized Spatial Audio. Previously, you could only enjoy immersive audio while watching movies and listening to music. However, iOS 18 will extend the same functionality to games.
App developers must use a new API to take advantage of this, so it could take a while before your favorite game supports personalized Spatial Audio. You can enjoy personalized Spatial Audio on second-gen AirPods Pro, third-gen AirPods and AirPods Max headphones.
Additionally, 16-bit 48kHz audio support and dynamic head tracking will significantly improve the quality of in-game voice chat.
Check out more AirPods features
There are plenty of other AirPods tips and tricks you likely don’t know about. Make sure to check them out to get the most out of the earbuds.
