Apple introduced the 4E71 software update in May, after which an increasing number of AirPods Max customers are persuaded that it has negatively impacted the Active Noise Cancelling function. The problem was originally brought up in a Reddit post with a dozen comments at the time the update was released. Multiple Reddit users highlighted the issue exclaiming: Previously, AirPods Max owners had trouble with the headphone holding its charge properly – which was fixed –, but a worsened ANC feature is completely new. Umar Shakir of The Verge reported seeing “a reduction of the ANC strength following a mid-week overnight charge,” most likely when his AirPods Max updated automatically. The reporter states: -4E71 is garbage. Or perhaps it was the update before 4E71. I can hear myself typing. I can hear birds. I can hear so much more now. The noise cancelling is gone. I went to Apple, got replacements, and the replacements are the same. Sometime in the past month or two noise cancelling is gone. I used to use them without even sound/music playing.” There doesn’t seem to be a method to enhance ANC with AirPods Max right now. Users may attempt to reset iOS 16’s Personalized Spatial Audio or fix the premium headset, but if you’re having this problem, it probably won’t go away. The positive aspect is that Apple has been testing a new software upgrade for customers of the AirPods Max for a while now. Although the new LC3 codec will be included in the headphones to enhance audio calls, it is unclear if Apple is actively working on an upgrade to the Active Noise Cancelling function.
