SteamOS Game Mode has issues with Apple AirPods Pro 2, regardless of Steam Deck, on random Steam-owned titles.

[WiccyKins]

I've encountered a bug where the Apple AirPods Pro 2 fail to pass through audio from the Steam Deck's Game Mode on random titles consistently.

They are connected via Bluetooth, and are not paired with any other devices.

On Desktop Mode, the headphones appear as connected, and I can hear all system noises, browser noises (I.E. YouTube videos), emulated game audio, non-Steam-owned game audio, and Steam-owned game audio perfectly fine.

When I transition to Game Mode, I can hear all system noises, emulated game audio, and non-Steam-owned game audio absolutely fine, however when I boot one of the following titles...

- Crash Bandicoot: NSane Trilogy
- Bugsnax
- Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster
- The Binding of Issac: Rebirth

...The audio seems to 'crash', leading to total audio loss through the AirPods Pro 2, even in other titles or in the system sounds. The headphones are still connected, and appear as connected in the Bluetooth settings page.

Audio does, however, work fine for other Steam-owned titles, and on my Fiance's Steam Deck.

The only 'fix' for this that I've found so far is to disable Bluetooth after the issue occurs, and then re-enable it with the game still open, which can be a bit of a pain.

Is this an issue with Bluetooth 5.3? Or with the codecs on the AirPods?

[FoxBat]

I can confirm this exact behavior, even on latest preview. Not sure any steam games work, both freedom planet 2 and FF7 Remake acted the same, needed to disable/re-enable while in game to restore audio. Note that Airpods Pro 1 has none of these issues, only Pro 2.

[tezz212]

I can't seem to get any audio out of my aipods pro gen 2 what so ever

[Zanderfury]

I have the same issue.

[j.hiller.12]

Same issue. Audio totally crashes when trying to play any games. Works great on my AirPods Pro Max and also OG AirPods Pro Gen 1 - hope they fix this…

[j.hiller.12]

Anyone have any updates on getting this issue solved?

[j.hiller.12]

Originally posted by Zanderfury:

I have the same issue.

I’m still having this issue - are you?

[j.hiller.12]

Originally posted by WiccyKins:

I've encountered a bug where the Apple AirPods Pro 2 fail to pass through audio from the Steam Deck's Game Mode on random titles consistently.

They are connected via Bluetooth, and are not paired with any other devices.

On Desktop Mode, the headphones appear as connected, and I can hear all system noises, browser noises (I.E. YouTube videos), emulated game audio, non-Steam-owned game audio, and Steam-owned game audio perfectly fine.

When I transition to Game Mode, I can hear all system noises, emulated game audio, and non-Steam-owned game audio absolutely fine, however when I boot one of the following titles...

- Crash Bandicoot: NSane Trilogy
- Bugsnax
- Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster
- The Binding of Issac: Rebirth

...The audio seems to 'crash', leading to total audio loss through the AirPods Pro 2, even in other titles or in the system sounds. The headphones are still connected, and appear as connected in the Bluetooth settings page.

Audio does, however, work fine for other Steam-owned titles, and on my Fiance's Steam Deck.

The only 'fix' for this that I've found so far is to disable Bluetooth after the issue occurs, and then re-enable it with the game still open, which can be a bit of a pain.

Is this an issue with Bluetooth 5.3? Or with the codecs on the AirPods?

Still having the issue - I am on my side…

[lemonlimeya]

Same here, audio crashes when I’m trying to run any game. Re-connecting does nothing

[Calispel]

Having the same issue. Hoping Valve fixes this soon or someone finds a workaround.

[FatCowCanFly]

Anyone got a fix on this? AirPod pro 2 is very choppy on audio and laggy in some games too

[Josh X]

Same issue here

[The Betzrig]

Same issue here. What a load of ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.

[squirrelysgaming]

Same

[RatAss]

yeah huge audio issues since update. Brand or type of headphones doesnt matter. Bluetooth at least I can get working usually with restart, but getting out of sleep breaks audio even if I had bluetooth off.

Worse is headphone jack seems completely useless now, restart or full shutdown didnt help.

edit: Saw info concerning audio working in desktop mode, downloaded some file updates like mesa? and changed audio device in settings [again inside desktop mode], now headphone jack working in game mode

[sgsmitty]

I have same problems with airpods pro 2. Have to switch audio back and forth several times to get them to work. Then may cut off when switching games etc. Fortunately I have some Sony Earbuds that connected flawlessly and stay connected. Wonder if it could be something with compression or codec. I assume it will get fixed at some point but I can game with the sony's so I am good for now.