Main points
- AirPods Pro 2nd generation features a volume control notch for ease of use and increased productivity.
- Adjusting the volume through the notch on the stem increases productivity while working or commuting.
- Save time and reduce phone distractions with AirPods volume control.
When the AirPods Pro 2 debuted, people noticed how similar the new headphones were to their predecessors, the first-generation AirPods Pro. One of the more under-the-radar features is the volume control notch on the stem of the second-generation AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) earbuds.
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The notch is a small notch in the stem of the earbud, about a centimeter or two long, and is so thin that it doesn’t even reach the edge of the stem, but it sits nicely within the narrow perimeter of the stem. While it may have originally appeared as a new design feature, the notch is actually a touch control center that helps you skip, pause, and play audio, as well as my favorite feature: turn up or down Low music, no need to even touch your phone.
How to adjust the volume using the notch on AirPods Pro 2
Using AirPods as touch controls to manage volume is easy:
- Place the headphones in your ears and start listening to audio via Bluetooth connection.
- Use your index finger to gently slide the notch up to turn up the music volume. Swipe down to lower the music volume.
I found that while this feature is useful, it can be awkward to adjust since the turf is so small and subtle. For the most effective swiping, use your thumb to stabilize the back of the stick while using your index finger to slide and control volume.
Why use the handle of AirPods Pro 2 to adjust the volume?
When I first heard about the feature, I admit I was skeptical about the usefulness of the volume control, especially when adjusting the volume via the output source (whether it’s a phone or laptop) is a fairly intuitive process.
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However, about two years later, it has become one of my favorite features and here’s why:
productivity
Like many modern remote working professionals, I am constantly distracted by my phone.Is it just checking one More email or text notifications, or falling down the rabbit hole of my Instagram feed, and my screen time isn’t something I’m proud of. I often listen to music while I work, and I also find that when I go to adjust the volume, I end up creating a new Spotify playlist or organizing my phone widgets. With a simple swipe, I eliminate another reason to touch my phone, increasing my productivity.
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Use when your phone is out of reach
Ironically, in an age where everything, especially smartphones, can be tracked, I still have a horrible habit of misplacing my phone. I always find it doesn’t stray too far, just stopping to see where the task is, and instead of pausing my productivity (and my playlist), I choose to control the volume through my AirPods.
convenient
Living in New York City, walking is as much a form of transportation as it is physical exercise. That said, you need to be alert at all times, and my hands are usually more involved with cup holders than phone-operating limbs.
8:10
Bose’s new Open Ultra earbuds are a success in style and function, and I can’t stop wearing them
They may not be part of the Bose QuietComfort series, but my ears don’t need any other headphones. Think Transparency Mode – but better.
Still, my earbuds provide on-the-go entertainment, and controlling the volume to suit your surroundings is a must. So it’s smart and efficient to just use your fingers to control the volume instead of fumbling around in your handbag looking for your phone.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation (USB-C)
FAQ
Q: Does the second generation AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) have a volume control notch?
Yes, both the original illuminated AirPods Pro 2 and the second-generation model with a USB-C charging case come with the earbuds, with a control center located on the stem that allows users to control volume.
Q: Can you control the volume on the first-generation AirPods Pro?
Won’t. Apple’s first-generation AirPods Pro had force sensors for other touch controls, but not the ability to adjust volume.