AirPods Pro 2: Six New and Improved Features You Need to Know |…

The AirPods Pro 2 are finally here. Here’s a rundown of all their exciting features and a side-by-side comparison with the previous version.

Apple officially announced the launching of AirPods Pro 2, during the September 7 Apple Event. These redesigned AirPods Pro 2 claim to boast better sound, upgraded noise cancellation, and touch controls.

The Pros 2 came three years after the original AirPods Pro (launched in 2019), which quickly garnered praise and made their way onto many “best wireless earbuds” lists. So, it’s not surprising that there’s much anticipation over the new things the AirPods Pro 2 have to offer.

If you’re wondering whether they’re worth making the switch, here’s a quick breakdown of all the new features you can expect from the AirPods Pro 2.

The AirPods Pro 2 retail for $249 , with preorders starting on September 9 and in-store sales on September 23.

Personalized Immersive Audio

The AirPods Pro 2 feature a re-engineered audio experience.

These earbuds come with new low-distortion audio drivers and custom amplifiers. Both the original AirPods Pro and the AirPods 3 feature similar types of drivers. But with Apple’s new H2 chip, you are said to experience sound with unparalleled detail and clarity.

The personalized Spatial Audio feature introduced on the AirPods 3 is now on the AirPods Pro 2, as well. Using the TrueDepth camera, you can create a personal Spatial Audio profile. This maps out the shape of your head and ears to deliver a listening experience tailored for you.

You can also conveniently sync your Spatial Audio profile across different Apple devices.

Improved Noise Cancellation & Adaptive Transparency

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is by far the most improved. Like the original Pros, the Pros 2 feature noise-canceling mics and acoustic vents that monitor external noise. But what makes them different is the addition of Adaptive Transparency.

According to Apple, the Pros 2 yield “double the amount of noise cancellation” compared to the original AirPods Pro.

This feature continuously processes sound 48,000 times per second, allowing it to react to loud noises swiftly. That’s a massive upgrade from the original Pros’ processing speed of 200 times per second.

Adding to this, the new AirPods Pro 2 also comes with extra small ear tips. With four pairs of tips in total, Apple ensures you won’t have trouble finding the perfect fit.

Adaptive noise cancellation isn’t exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2. Many high-end wireless earbuds, like the Sony WF-1000XM4 , also have a similar feature.

Adjustable Volume via Touch Controls

Gone are the days when you have to reach for your phone or get Siri’s help just to adjust your AirPods’ volume, as another significant upgrade comes in the form of the new touch controls.

The AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 feature a force sensor that you squeeze to control playback and take calls. Yet, Apple has improved this by adding touch controls to the improved built-in skin-detect sensor.

This means no longer having to pull out your phone to adjust volumes! Now, you can do that by simply swiping downwards or upwards on the AirPod stem itself.

And although touch controls are not a new feature on wireless earbuds, they’ll certainly add a level of convenience to AirPods users.

iOS 16 devices will also see a new dedicated AirPods section in their device settings, designed to make tweaking AirPods settings more accessible.

‘Find My’ Integration on Charging Case

Several smaller changes to the MagSafe charging case aim for user convenience.

Each case comes equipped with U1 technology and a speaker for precision finding. With this, you can locate a lost AirPods case using a U1-equipped iPhone efficiently.

The speaker, located at the bottom of each case, also emits a tone that makes it easier for you to pinpoint where it is.

And, to prevent the case from being lost even more, the new MagSafe charging case also comes with a built-in lanyard loop on its side. This adds a degree of safety by ensuring your AirPods Pro 2 stay safely tethered wherever you go.

Extended Battery Life

Heavy users will be happy to know that the AirPods Pro 2 come with an upgraded battery capacity.

The original AirPods Pro offered 4.5 hours of listening with ANC. This is bumped up by 33% to 6 hours on the AirPods Pro 2, bringing it toe-to-toe with the AirPods 3.

The new MagSafe charging case also boasts a 6-hour increase from the older AirPods Pro case. This gives you a total of 30 hours of listening time versus AirPods Pro’s 24 hours.

Environmentally-Friendly Design

It bears mentioning that Apple remains true to its goal of becoming 100% carbon neutral by 2030 with the AirPods Pro 2.

Similar to the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3, the AirPods Pro 2 contain recycled materials. Magnets and hinges use 100% recycled aluminum, tin, and rare earth elements. They’re also free from mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium.

And in a move first seen in the AirPods Pro 2, Apple uses 100% recycled gold for “the plating of multiple printed circuit boards.”

The AirPods Pro 2 packaging is also 90% fiber-based and no longer features a plastic covering.

AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro: What Are the Differences?

If you’re unsure whether AirPods Pro 2 are worth the upgrade, here’s a handy table that summarizes and compares the features of the new AirPods Pro 2 with the original AirPods Pro:

FeatureAirPods Pro 2AirPods Pro (Gen 1)
Price$249$249

Size and WeightEarbuds: 30.9mm x 21.8mm x 24.0mm; 5.3gEarbuds: 30.9mm x 21.8mm x 24.0mm; 5.4g

ProcessorH2 chipH1 chip

Battery Life6 hours listening time (with ANC), 30 hours with charging case4.5 hours listening time (with ANC), 24 hours with charging case

IPX RatingIPX4 (earbuds and case)IPX4 (earbuds and case)

Audio TechnologyCustom high-excursion Apple driverCustom high-excursion Apple drivers,

ANCYesYes

SensorsSkin-detect sensorInfrared sensors for in-ear detection

Control OptionsForce and Touch sensorForce sensor

Volume ControlYesNo

MicrophonesDual beamforming microphones and inward-facing microphoneDual beamforming microphones and inward-facing microphone

ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.0

MagSafe Charging CaseYesYes

Charging Case ProcessorU1 chipN/A

Charging Case Precision FindingYesNo

Since the release of AirPods Pro 2, the first generation of AirPods Pro have been discontinued and removed from Apple’s website