In situations where you can’t talk, you can now nod or shake your head to accept or decline calls. At WWDC 2024, held in Apple Park, Cupertino, Apple showcased one of the most impressive updates to the AirPods Pro: Siri Interactions, but how does it work exactly?

Enhancing AirPods Pro with Siri Interactions

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With the upcoming iOS 18, users will experience a more seamless integration between AirPods Pro and Siri, allowing them to control calls with simple head gestures. If you find yourself in a situation where speaking to Siri is inconvenient, such as in a crowded elevator, you can simply nod your head to accept a call or shake it to decline.

The convenience of nodding according to Apple

While randomly nodding or shaking your head in public might seem odd, it is likely less disruptive than speaking to a voice assistant during a meeting or lecture. Apple credits the new feature to the machine learning algorithms on the H2 chip in the AirPods Pro.

Key benefits of Siri Interactions on AirPods Pro:

• Accept calls with a nod of your head
• Decline calls by shaking your head
• Increased convenience in situations where speaking is impractical

Voice isolation feature

Voice Isolation is another feature being added to the AirPods Pro. Though this feature is slightly less novel, as it is already available on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, it still brings added value. iOS 15 introduced Voice Isolation to FaceTime audio and video calls, and iOS 16.4 extended it to phone calls.

Voice isolation across devices:

• iPhone: Available since iOS 16.4 for phone calls
• iPad: Enhanced audio clarity for calls
• Mac: Improved FaceTime experience since iOS 15

Machine learning and the H2 chip in the new Airpods Pro

The advancements in Siri Interactions and Voice Isolation are made possible by the machine learning algorithms running on the H2 chip in the AirPods Pro. This chip enhances the device’s ability to understand and execute commands based on subtle gestures and voice cues, ensuring a smoother user experience.

Practical applications of head gesture controls

The ability to control calls with head gestures can be particularly useful in various scenarios where speaking to Siri out loud might be impractical or disruptive. For instance, in a noisy environment, during a meeting, or while your hands are occupied, or who knows, when maybe you were kidnapped? These gestures offer a discreet and efficient way to manage incoming calls.

Airpods Pro promises everyday convenience

The introduction of head gesture controls for accepting or declining calls on AirPods Pro marks a significant step in Apple’s efforts to enhance user convenience and accessibility. Coupled with the Voice Isolation feature, these updates demonstrate Apple’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into everyday devices to improve user experiences. As iOS 18 rolls out, AirPods Pro users can look forward to these innovative features that make managing calls more intuitive and less intrusive.