Airpods Pros 2 (2nd gen): everything from the Apple event!
Posted by Tehillah Mwakalombe on 13th Sep 2022
We’ve been waiting for the AirPods Pro 2 for a while, and Apple finally showed them off to us. They look similar to the original version, still with active noise-cancellation (ANC) and Bluetooth, but they come with the new H2 processor.
This updated processor allows for personalized spatial audio, which is a feature that allows iPhones to use their True Depth cameras to look into your ears and build a personalized spatial audio profile. This amongst several other features have been added to the new Airpods!
| Pros | Cons |
| Longer battery life | Limited codec support |
| New Adaptive Transparency mode | |
| Richer bass performance | |
| Upgraded charging case |
For the same starting price of $249, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have quite the selection of upgrades. They last longer, perform stronger and come with some clever changes that could make some of the best wireless earbuds even better.
Compared to the original AirPods Pro, the AirPods Pro 2 promise twice as effective active noise cancellation, 1.5 more hours of battery life (rated for 6 hours of playtime) and personalized spatial audio leveraging the iPhone's TrueDepth camera for truly tailored listening.
The case gets improved as well, it offers 30 hours of playtime, can be found via Find My, can be juiced up wirelessly with an Apple Watch charger and introduces a small nook for attaching a strap. We went hands-on with the new AirPods Pro. Here's our first impressions and everything else you might want to know.
Design
As a glance, there's not much different in terms of design for the new AirPods Pro. The buds themselves are familiar, with hardware and touch pads in the same place. Multiple ear tips are still included, and are easy enough to swap and change with the Ear Tip Fit Test. There is a new extra small set!
The AirPods Pro 2 design changes instead can be seen on the charging case. There’s a visible speaker grille on the bottom, which can make an audible location ping since the case is now Find My-compatible. Then, on the side, the AirPods Pro case has a divot where you can attach a lanyard loop.
Features and performance
The H2 chip powers a new Adaptive Transparency feature, which is a good meeting point for audio passthrough and noise cancellation. It lets you have the environmental awareness of transparency while limiting the volume of uncomfortably loud noises.
Spatial Audio can also be upgraded to Personalized Spatial Audio with the AirPods Pro 2. Using the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, you can adapt a personal listening profile for basically all existing listening experiences that support Spatial Audio.
The AirPods Pro 2 offer a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier, which promote richer bass and and clearer overall sound. Volume can be adjusted now directly on the AirPods Pro tip, which might be more convenient that reaching for your iPhone for a quick change.
Battery life and charging
The AirPods Pro 2 got the battery life upgrade we were hoping for. The buds are rated for 6 hours of listening with ANC, up from 4.5 hours on the previous-generation model. The charging case offers an additional 30 hours of playtime.
As for charging, the AirPods Pro 2 maintain a lightning charging port, though an update to the wireless charging internals now let the AirPods Pro charge with the Apple Watch magnetic charger.
In conclusion, The AirPods Pro 2 might not have received all the upgrades we were hoping for, but they do seem to offer enough new features compared to the originals. And if you have been thinking about getting the Pros based on the first model? This model is an even better option.