As expected, Apple pulled the second generation AirPods Pro out of the box at the “Far Out” event alongside the new iPhones. NextPit shows what Cupertino’s truly wireless earbuds have to offer.
TL; DR
- AirPods Pro 2 will be available for purchase on September 16 for $249.
- ANC and battery life have been greatly improved.
- The same can be done with touch gestures.
The main focus at Apple’s event was once again on the iPhone 14, but the presentation of the new AirPods Pro 2 was also eagerly awaited. Visually, not much has happened since the original AirPods Pro in 2019. In terms of functionality, however, Apple has really stepped things up!
Apple AirPods Pro 2: These are the new features.
After a lot of talk about changing the design and how it will change, we can say that it is almost identical. Therefore, the icon stems remain. But technically, some things have changed. For example, the H2 chip now powers things up under the hood and is expected to deliver “exceptional sound quality,” according to Apple. The headphones feature a new driver and a new amplifier.
Unfortunately, Apple didn’t reveal much about the new drivers it showed off at the event, but it did talk enthusiastically about Spatial Audio, or Personalized Spatial Audio. However, it is required for the later iOS 16. The trick is interesting: you scan your ears and head shape, and iOS calculates a head-related transfer function that adapts the sound to your ears and head shape.
The ANC is also said to have made significant progress. Thanks to “Advanced Computation Audio”, noises should be suppressed twice as much as the first generation.
Apple has improved Transparency Mode: “Adaptive Transparency” is the name of an optimized feature that analyzes ambient sound 48,000 times per second. Transparency mode should even be able to filter construction site noise this way!
The functionality of the headphones has also been improved: new touch sensors ensure that you can change the volume by, for example, swiping your feet. For better, Apple now offers four types of headphones: you can choose between sizes L, M, S and XS—so there should be the right one for every ear.
The speaker on the case file is also new. AirPods can be found at any time through the U1 chip and the “Where is it” function, and thanks to the speaker, a voice will help you find the case. By the way, you can now attach a lanyard to the case to comfortably carry it on your wrist.
Last but not least, Apple has improved the battery life. Fully charged, six hours with active ANC—33% more than before. With a charging case, you get a total of 30 hours of operation time. This is six hours more than before. How do you pay them?
This is a legitimate question, because the Cupertino company has improved this: you can still use the Lightning port. However, you can charge inductively using MagSafe adapters or other Qi-compatible chargers.
Apple AirPods Pro 2: Prices and Availability
If you want to get your hands on the second-generation AirPods Pro, you can do so starting Friday: the headphones can be ordered starting September 9 at 2:00 p.m., and they’ll start shipping on September 23. It costs $249 in the US
What do you think of the new AirPods Pro? Have your personality prayers been answered or have you secretly been waiting for more?