AirPods Volume Spikes When Simulator Makes Sound

Originator:SlaunchaMan
Number:rdar://31328236 Date Originated:29-Mar-2017 04:03 PM
Status:Closed Resolved:12-Apr-2017 12:59 PM
Product:Developer Tools Product Version:Xcode Version 8.3 (8E162)
Classification:Serious Bug Reproducible:Always
 
Summary:
I was listening to music from iTunes on my Mac through AirPods. I started a tvOS app in the simulator from Xcode and, when the simulator made noise to signify the app starting, the music paused for a beat and then played at such a loud volume through the AirPods, my ears still hurt as I type this.

Steps to Reproduce:
1. Start music playing on AirPods connected to your Mac.
2. Run a tvOS app in the simulator from Xcode.

Expected Results:
The music keeps playing at the same volume and quality.

Actual Results:
The music gets extremely loud and sounds very different, like it’s being processed differently.

Version:
Xcode Version 8.3 (8E162)
macOS Sierra 10.12.4 (16E195)

Notes:
This also seems to happen when the watchOS simulator plays a haptic.

Configuration:
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)
AirPods

Comments

Response from Apple

“It looks like you are switching between A2DP and HFP modes. This occurs any time the B188 input is enabled. This can occur dynamically on a Mac, which has a negative effect on sound quality for BT devices. This can often happen when triggering Siri or using FaceTime or when opening the Sound preferences input panel. This is not unique to B188, it will occur for all BT devices that support these two modes.

“This has been an ongoing point of confusion with BT audio devices on the Mac. It's been highlighted even more with the popularity of AirPods.”

By SlaunchaMan at April 12, 2017, 8:10 p.m. (reply...)

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