AirPods Pro 2nd-gen

In–ear headphones given a boost

APPLE HAS RELEASED a second generation of AirPods Pro with a new H2 chip inside, delivering enhanced noise cancellation, personalized Spatial Audio, and touch control.

With a new low–distortion audio driver and custom amplifier, AirPods Pro now offer richer bass and crystal– clear sound across a wider range of frequencies. Apple says the H2 chip supports advanced computational audio that cancels up to twice as much noise as the first–generation AirPods Pro. Adaptive Transparency reacts instantly to sudden high–decibel noise, like a jackhammer, a passing siren, or even loudspeakers at a concert, to filter out loud sounds but enable you to stay connected to the world around.

With Personalized Spatial Audio, you can fine–tune your soundscape for the size and shape of your head and ears. Using the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, you can create a personal profile for Spatial Audio that delivers a listening experience precisely tuned just for you. You can enjoy Personalized Spatial Audio with music, movies, and TV shows — with dynamic head tracking — across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV (some of these in another month or so). A new extra–small ear tip is included for a better in–ear fit for more people.

The second–gen AirPods Pro support instant pairing to all Apple devices and a new dedicated AirPods section in iOS Settings that lets users easily access and control AirPods features. Plus, a new touch control capability enables quick volume adjustments with a light swipe up or down on the stem. Press the stem to change the music, answer phone calls, and more, or say “Hey Siri” to make requests hands–free. The improved, built–in skin–detect sensor more accurately turns playback on or off, and delivers better battery life.

AirPods Pro now offer up to six hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation — 1.5 hours more than the first generation. Using the case for four additional charges, this rises to 30 hours of total listening time with Active Noise Cancellation — a full six hours more than the first–gen.

For more flexibility when traveling, it is now possible to charge AirPods Pro with an Apple Watch charger, as well as a MagSafe charger, Qi–certified charging mat, or the Lightning cable.

The second–gen AirPods Pro cost $249 and come with a newly designed charging case that is sweat– and water– resistant, and includes a lanyard loop so it’s always within reach. With Precision Finding, users with U1– enabled iPhones can locate their charging case with guided directions. The charging case also has a built–in speaker to deliver louder tones, so it’s even easier to locate.