Apple introduces the new AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Generation) With Better Noise Cancellation

Apple is using the Far Out event to talk about the new AirPods Pro alongside the Apple Watch and iPhone 14. The second generation of wireless ANC headphones offers longer battery life, better noise cancellation, and new touch control. The new AirPods Pro 2 are visually indistinguishable from their predecessor.

The distinctive design including the “little trunk” is therefore retained for the Truly wireless headphones. However, this is enhanced by new touch controls that not only allow you to skip songs or activate Siri with a pressure sensor, but also to regulate the volume with a swipe gesture.

New Apple H2 chip improves sound, ANC, and 3D audio

The heart of the AirPods Pro 2 is the new Apple H2 chip based on in-house silicon. A higher bandwidth combined with improved, according to the manufacturer, low-distortion audio drivers and a new amplifier should not only improve the sound, but also the active noise cancellation (ANC for short). The latter is even by a factor of 2.

In addition, the second generation of AirPods Pro benefits from a current iPhone with a true-depth camera and iOS 16, which is intended to personalize the 3D sound through Face ID scans of the ear. How the “Personalized Spatial Audio” performs in practice remains to be seen. The same applies to a now adaptive transparency mode and the audio boost in conversations with other people.

Longer battery life and lightening charging case with extras

Compared to the predecessor with the H1 chip, the AirPods Pro 2 should be able to increase its battery life by up to 33 percent to 6 hours of playback time. Together with the capacity of the “wireless” charging case, the running time with opportunity charging is up to 30 hours.

The case will continue to be equipped with a classic Lightning port instead of a popular USB-C interface, but can now also be supplied with power via the magnetic Apple Watch charging cable in addition to wireless chargers (Qi standard) and MagSafe. There is also a new holder for wrist straps and a speaker that can draw attention to itself if the AirPods are lost.

Prices and Availability

The second generation of AirPods Pro can be pre-ordered from September 9th at a price of 299 euros. Apple states September 23 as the delivery date. In addition to the wireless headphones and the charging case, additional ear tips (also in XS size) are included and a Memoji engraving is offered free of charge.