During the WWDC 2022 kickoff presentation, Apple also announced a new Beta firmware for AirPods in addition to the iOS/iPadOS 16 system update. Now, developers have confirmed that the Beta firmware for AirPods Max will improve the Bluetooth decoder, which will at least improve the quality of voice calls on Apple’s premium headphones, and this feature is expected to be equipped on the upcoming AirPods Pro 2.
As posted by Twitter user George (via ShrimpApplePro), he has enabled the LC3 codec for AirPods Max via its beta firmware. the LC3 codec is the low-power and high-quality codec for the future of Bluetooth and will soon be available on the headset. the LC3 will be able to transmit at much lower bit rates without LC3 will be able to transmit at much lower bit rates without degrading the audio quality we currently see using the Bluetooth standard.
In this case, as Twitter users have shown, the LC3 codec will improve audio calls and make them sound better, but the true potential of this technology will require Bluetooth 5.2 and the new generation of AirPods hardware. While the LC3 codec will improve audio calls, efficiency and stability of Bluetooth devices, the requirements to take full advantage of the standard will require Bluetooth 5.2, which AirPods do not have.
9to5Mac sources confirm that the next-generation AirPods Pro, codenamed B698, will come with the next-generation H1 chip, Apple’s own audio processor, which may be able to handle this technology. In addition, 9to5Mac has found references to support for the LC3 codec and Low Energy audio support on iOS 16. For LE audio support, it’s worth noting that a senior Apple engineer was actively involved in this new standard.
With Bluetooth 5.2 and LC3 support, Apple will be able to get rid of the out-of-sync issues when AirPods are on the user’s ear and improve battery life with the Low Energy standard, while focusing on efficiency and stability.
