It took almost three years to arrive, but they are already here. Apple has presented the new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) at the ‘Far Out’ event that we have followed live, and where we have found new features such as the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra, and SE.
The company is focusing on improving noise cancellation and autonomy, with small innovations here and there in security, microphones, and more.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) technical sheet
| AirPods Pro 2 | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions and Weight | 3.09 x 2.18 x 2.4cm // 5.3g |
| Case | 4.52 x 6.06 x 2.17 cm // 50.8 g Compatible with MagSafe charger, Qi-certified chargers, and the Lightning connector |
| Battery | Up to 6 hours of audio playback on a single charge Up to 4.5 hours of talk time on a single charge |
| Resistance | IPX4 (sweat and water) |
| Chip | H2-based SiP |
| Technology | Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive EQ, Adaptive Ambient Sound Mode |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Price | $249 |
New H2 chip and internal improvements for an overall package that changes very little
One of the big new features of the AirPods Pro 2 is that they are tactile in a different way than the previous ones. Now we will be able to control the playback volume, as already do on other devices on the market, avoiding having to take out the mobile to control manually. Previously there was only pressure control with functions such as pausing the music. That is now a thing of the past.
The casing is new, although it does not differ much. As for autonomy, Apple now speaks of 33% more autonomy, with up to 6 hours on a single charge. The option of finding the case with “Find My” thanks to the U1 chip is also not missing. Also, in this regard, to this part of the AirPods Pro, they have added a new speaker so that we can hear it better when we look for it, although it also warns of low battery and notifies when we start charging the headphones, like the iPhone. So that they do not get lost, now the box has a small indentation to place small strings.
With the new AirPods Pro, Apple has focused on improving what it already had in the AirPods Pro, but without the major improvements that perhaps could have been expected after all this time. With the new generation, comes the Apple silicon H2 chip.
This, in addition to the typical efficiency improvements, allows you to cancel up to twice as much noise as the previous model, something to which better microphones and better computational algorithms contribute. The adaptive ambient sound mode allows us to hear what we have around us, but without disturbing, by minimizing sirens and other shrill sounds.
The chip can analyze sound at a higher speed and regulates it according to the shape of our ears. The microphones are now oriented inward, and algorithms promise to better capture the voice in calls, providing according to Apple less naturalness, as a feature of these microphones is always a somewhat metallic and canned sound.
Something that also works in the H2 is to reduce distortions, improving the depth of bass and treble with a new amplifier and driver. Spatial audio has been improved with custom spatial audio, which offers a more immersive experience for each person (you can use the iPhone camera in iOS 16 to do a scan of our head and ears).
Along with the aforementioned 6 hours of playback time on one charge, Apple ups to 30 hours of playback the time we can listen to in total when recharging multiple times from the case, which can now also be charged with MagSafe. Talk time goes up to 4.5 hours on a single charge.
Speaking of the case, in it, we will find new ear cushions of even smaller size (XS), so that they are comfortable for more types of ears and tend less to move.
Price and Availability of AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
The AirPods Pro 2 have increased their price, going to cost $249. They can be pre-order and the first people to purchase them will receive them on September 23.
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