Official documentation

If sound quality is reduced when using Bluetooth headphones with your Mac

Apple, Apple Support, n.d.

Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: Apple's support article explaining why audio quality drops on a Mac when an app uses the microphone of Bluetooth headphones, and how to reset the output device. It describes Bluetooth's two modes and says that audio quality stays reduced until the microphone is no longer in use.
How much weight it carries: Official Apple documentation, reviewed and maintained by the manufacturer. It describes the Bluetooth behavior in general and does not name specific AirPods models or measure dictation accuracy.

Facts taken from this source

Apple's first suggested fix for reduced Bluetooth headphone audio on a Mac is to quit any apps that use the microphone of the headphones.
“Quit any apps that use the microphone of your Bluetooth headphones, such as video conferencing or chat apps.” (Steps to fix reduced audio quality)
Apple says that when Bluetooth switches to its second mode, audio quality is reduced until the microphone is no longer in use.
“When Bluetooth switches to the second mode, audio quality is reduced until the microphone is no longer in use.” (Article body, explanation of the two Bluetooth modes)
Apple says Bluetooth has two modes, and the second is the one used for speaking through the microphone while also listening to audio.
“The second mode is for both speaking through the microphone and listening to audio.” (Article body, explanation of the two Bluetooth modes)

Official documentation

Apple, Apple Support, n.d.

Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: Apple's support article explaining why audio quality drops on a Mac when an app uses the microphone of Bluetooth headphones, and how to reset the output device. It describes Bluetooth's two modes and says that audio quality stays reduced until the microphone is no longer in use.
How much weight it carries: Official Apple documentation, reviewed and maintained by the manufacturer. It describes the Bluetooth behavior in general and does not name specific AirPods models or measure dictation accuracy.

Apple's first suggested fix for reduced Bluetooth headphone audio on a Mac is to quit any apps that use the microphone of the headphones.
“Quit any apps that use the microphone of your Bluetooth headphones, such as video conferencing or chat apps.” (Steps to fix reduced audio quality)
Apple says that when Bluetooth switches to its second mode, audio quality is reduced until the microphone is no longer in use.
“When Bluetooth switches to the second mode, audio quality is reduced until the microphone is no longer in use.” (Article body, explanation of the two Bluetooth modes)
Apple says Bluetooth has two modes, and the second is the one used for speaking through the microphone while also listening to audio.
“The second mode is for both speaking through the microphone and listening to audio.” (Article body, explanation of the two Bluetooth modes)