What does it mean that AirPods are arbitrarily enhanced?-Why can't I hear about the iPhone now?

The fact that AirPods are enhanced without permission is a firmware update. Yes, AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max can update their firmware, and it does so automatically without user intervention. Since it is not possible to update at an arbitrary timing, it is not a mistake to say that functions have been enhanced without permission.

Since the launch of AirPods, there have been repeated updates. Users are not notified when updates are distributed, and they run automatically in the background via the paired iPhone. Conversely, it is difficult to know in advance when the update will start.