The second-generation Apple AirPods Pro modestly improves upon its predecessor while maintaining the iconic design that Apple is known for. With upgraded features like the H2 chip for enhanced noise cancelation and battery life, as well as the addition of the U1 chip and speaker in the case for improved functionality with the Find My app, these earbuds are a solid choice for iPhone users.
Design and Build
The physical appearance of the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) remains almost identical to the first generation, emphasizing Apple’s signature sleek and minimalist design. The charging case now includes a silver lanyard loop and USB-C connection, with an integrated speaker that emits sound cues for locating it via the Find My app. This iteration also introduces IP54-rated water resistance for both the case and earbuds, enhancing durability against splashes and light rain. Despite these improvements, the design’s stem can occasionally catch on objects like masks or towels, which might dislodge the earbuds during use.
Fit and Comfort
Apple includes four sizes of silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L) to ensure a snug fit and optimal sound isolation. Users can perform an ear tip fit test on iOS devices to determine the most suitable size, which helps in preventing the earbuds from falling out during physical activities and improves noise isolation. The ergonomic design aims to provide comfort during prolonged use, although users with specific preferences for ear hooks or stabilizing wings might find the stem design slightly limiting.
Controls and Interaction
Control features on the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) include touch-sensitive stems for managing playback, calls and activating Siri with voice commands (“Hey Siri”). The introduction of swipe gestures allows users to navigate through media and adjust settings directly on the earbuds, a feature previously absent in the AirPods line but present in competitors like the Nothing Ear 1 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
App Integration
The primary interface for adjusting settings and accessing features is the iOS/iPadOS Settings app, limiting full functionality to Apple devices. Android users can still connect for basic audio playback and calls but miss out on detailed customization available through Apple’s ecosystem. Settings available include renaming the AirPods, toggling ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and Transparency modes and customizing touch controls for each earbud.
Spatial Audio and Connectivity
Spatial Audio, a notable feature introduced with iOS 16, provides a personalized immersive audio experience by leveraging the TrueDepth camera on iPhones to optimize sound based on individual head and ear shapes. This feature syncs across devices for seamless usage, even for owners of the first-generation AirPods Pro.
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connectivity with support for SBC and AAC codecs, delivering high-quality audio with minimal latency when paired with iOS devices. The H2 chip enhances connectivity by supporting high-bandwidth connections, although it falls short of achieving true lossless audio transmission.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance remains competitive within the true wireless earbuds market, offering up to 5 hours and 43 minutes of playback with ANC enabled, slightly below Apple’s official specifications. The charging case extends usage by providing an additional 24 hours of playback or 19 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. Charging options include wireless charging compatibility with Qi, MagSafe and Apple Watch mats, alongside wired charging via USB-C.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) boasts improved ANC capabilities, effectively reducing external noise levels by up to 20-30dB across various frequencies. This feature makes them suitable for commuting, air travel and noisy environments. Adaptive Transparency mode uses the H2 chip to adjust ambient sound levels dynamically, enhancing situational awareness without compromising audio quality.
Audio Performance
Sound quality on the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is highly regarded, with high scores on the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm for timbre and distortion, indicating excellent audio fidelity. The inclusion of Adaptive EQ adjusts sound output based on individual ear shapes, optimizing audio delivery and ensuring consistent performance across different listening scenarios.
In conclusion, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) refines the original model with incremental improvements in design, functionality and audio performance. While maintaining Apple’s signature design ethos and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, these earbuds cater primarily to iPhone users seeking reliable wireless audio with advanced features like ANC, Spatial Audio and intuitive touch controls. Despite being tailored for Apple devices, they offer competitive performance and sound quality that appeals to a broad audience interested in premium true wireless earbuds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key improvements in the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) compared to the first generation?
Answer: The second-generation AirPods Pro feature enhancements such as improved active noise cancelation (ANC), longer battery life, the addition of the U1 chip for better device localization and a more durable IP54-rated case.
How do the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) differ in design from the original AirPods Pro?
Answer: Physically, they look very similar but include a silver lanyard loop, a USB-C connector and an integrated speaker in the case for enhanced functionality with the Find My app.
What is Spatial Audio and how does it work on the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)?
Answer: Spatial Audio provides a personalized immersive sound experience by using the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to optimize audio based on individual head and ear shapes, syncing this profile across devices.
What connectivity options does the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) support?
Answer: They support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with SBC and AAC codecs, ensuring stable and high-quality audio streaming, particularly optimized for iOS devices.
How long does the battery last on the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) and how do you charge them?
Answer: The earbuds offer approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes of playback with ANC on, with the charging case providing up to 24 hours of additional usage. Charging options include wireless (Qi, MagSafe, Apple Watch compatible) and wired (USB-C).
What are the noise-canceling capabilities of the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)?
Answer: The ANC feature effectively reduces external noise levels by up to 20-30dB across different frequencies, making them suitable for environments like commuting and air travel.
Can Android users fully utilize the features of the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)?
Answer: While Android users can connect for basic audio playback and calls, full functionality and customization options are limited to iOS devices through the Settings app.
How do you control media and calls on the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)?
Answer: Controls include touch-sensitive stems for playback, call management and activating Siri with voice commands. Swipe gestures have also been introduced for easier navigation through media.
What is Adaptive Transparency mode and how does it work on these AirPods?
Answer: Adaptive Transparency uses the H2 chip to dynamically adjust ambient sound levels, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music or taking calls.
Is the sound quality improved on the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)?
Answer: Yes, these earbuds offer high sound quality, supported by features like Adaptive EQ that adjusts sound output based on individual ear shapes, ensuring consistent and optimized audio performance.