AirPods Max: a less efficient ANC?
Since the latest AirPods Max firmware update (numbered 4E71 and rolled out last May), some AirPods Max users are reporting active ambient noise reduction with performance falling behind what the headphones offered before this update. at the software level. Testimonials accumulate online, users indicating that they now hear the noise of their keyboard, or even of various external sounds (birds, traffic) which were previously better camouflaged by on-board technology.
A new firmware approaching?
This isn’t the first time a firmware has appeared to negatively impact the ANC performance of an Apple product., AirPods Pro firmware 2C54 released on December 16, 2019 apparently had the same effect, degrading the ambient noise reduction performance of the Cupertino headphones. Personally, I don’t have any concerns about less efficient ANC on my AirPods Max model, yet updated with the latest firmware, with a still very satisfactory reduction (the class being among the best on the market on this point). Apple is currently working on a new firmware, the guts of the beta of the next iteration of internal software confirms the upcoming activation of the Bluetooth LC3 codec. On the AirPods Max, activating the LC3 would however only improve the audio in communication, the full potential of the LC3 requiring the integration of Bluetooth 5.2 (the AirPods Max are satisfied with Bluetooth 5.0). It remains to be seen whether this upcoming firmware will also resolve ANC concerns for affected users.. Do not hesitate to let us know of your possible ones. mishaps and solutions in the comments below.