Fact · Dictation
Apple says that when Bluetooth switches to its second mode, audio quality is reduced until the microphone is no longer in use.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“When Bluetooth switches to the second mode, audio quality is reduced until the microphone is no longer in use.”
If sound quality is reduced when using Bluetooth headphones with your Mac, Apple, Apple Support, n.d., Article body, explanation of the two Bluetooth modes.
Open the original- What it measures
- Apple's Mac support article about Bluetooth headphones. It applies to any Bluetooth headphones that use their microphone, including AirPods, when an app opens that microphone.
- What it does not show
- Apple does not name AirPods models in this passage, and it does not measure speech recognition accuracy. The article describes the audio drop, not how much it affects dictation.
Source
Cited on
- Why Mac Dictation Is Not Working, and How to Fix ItGuide
- Do AirPods work for dictation?Question
- How do you change the microphone Mac dictation uses?Question
- Is a wireless headset good for dictation?Question
- What is the best microphone for medical dictation?Question
- Why does dictation keep stopping?Question
- Why does Mac dictation keep stopping?Question
- Why does Mac dictation not work with an external microphone?Question
- Why is dictation not working with AirPods?Question
- Why is dictation on but not typing anything?Question
- Why is my microphone not working for dictation?Question