It appears that new AirPods Pro 2 feature isn't coming to the original Pro after all

It turns out that new AirPods Pro 2 feature isn't coming to the original Pro after all

(Image credit: Apple)

It turns out that Adaptive Transparency will remain exclusive to the new AirPods Pro 2 after all.

Recently users of the original AirPods Pro reported seeing the option appear when using the older wireless earbuds. This prompted speculation that Apple was bringing the feature to the AirPods Pro. But now that's not so, according to Apple analyst Mark Gurman.

He tweets that the emergence of the feature for the older pair was merely a bug.

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Adaptive Transparency promises to reduce the effects of loud noises like pneumatic drills and sirens while still allowing in other ambient sounds, so you can stay aware of your surroundings.

It uses Apple's H2 chip, which is exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2. So it makes sense that it wouldn't be enabled on the original AirPods Pro.

Apple still hasn't commented on the feature appearing for the older model. But Gurman's comments certainly suggest this was a mistake on Apple's part. If so, we'd expect it to be rectified with the next version of the iOS 16.1 Beta.

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Joe has been writing about tech for 20 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (now defunct), Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more. His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.