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Apple announced the second generation of AirPods Pro at its Far Out event on September 7th. Here’s how it compares to the first generation.
Like the new Apple Watch SE, AirPods Pro Gen 2 retain most of the same features as AirPods Pro Gen 1 with a few notable upgrades.
The updated product includes a new H2 chip, which enables smarter noise cancellation and three-dimensional sound. In addition, active noise cancellation now blocks twice as much unwanted noise, so nothing interrupts listening.
AirPods Pro Gen 1 vs AirPods Pro Gen 2 specs
specifications | AirPods Pro (Gen 1) | AirPods Pro (Gen 2) | |
---|---|---|---|
Price | $249.00 Check the prices |
$249.00 Check the prices |
|
Dimensions (inches) | 1.22×0.86×0.94 | 1.22×0.86×0.94 | |
weight (ounces) | 0.19 | 0.19 | |
Case Dimensions (inches) | 1.78×2.39×0.85 | 1.78×2.39×0.85 | |
Case Weight (ounces) | 1.61 | 1.79 | |
Battery life (earbuds) | 4.5 hours with ANC | 6 hours with ANC | |
Battery life (with case) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours | |
connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | |
microphones | dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone |
dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone |
|
sensors | two optical sensors, motion detecting accelerometer, speech-recognition accelerometer, force sensor |
two optical sensors, motion detecting accelerometer, speech-recognition accelerometer, force sensor touch control |
|
Sweat and water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | |
Active noise cancellation | Yes | Yes | |
Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes | |
AirPods Pro Gen 1 vs AirPods Pro Gen 2 – Design and Dimensions
Physically, the AirPods Pro Gen 2 haven’t changed from the AirPods Pro Gen 1, aside from a slightly heavier case at 1.79 grams compared to the Gen 1’s 1.61 grams. Each case is 1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85 inch tall.
AirPods Pro Gen 1 vs AirPods Pro Gen 2 – Features
The AirPods Pro Gen 2 have up to twice as active noise cancellation thanks to the H2 chip. In addition, a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms help reduce unwanted noise.
Adaptive Transparency uses the H2 chip to minimize noise faster at 48,000 times per second. As a result, walking through and past loud noises like sirens or power tools will enhance the experience.
AirPods Pro Gen 2 features new touch controls on the earbud stems. Swipe up or down to adjust volume, press to play and pause music, answer and end calls, or press and hold to toggle between active noise cancellation (ANC) and adaptive transparency.
Personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking is a new feature of AirPods Pro Gen 2. It works with the TrueDepth camera on an iPhone to create a custom profile based on a person’s head geometry. The profile is synchronized across devices.
Dynamic head tracking now brings three-dimensional audio to Group FaceTime calls.
Adaptive EQ tunes music to a person’s ears in real-time based on AirPods Pro fit. Inward-firing mics measure what you’re hearing, then adjust a song’s low to high frequencies.
AirPods Pro Gen 1 vs AirPods Pro Gen 2 Battery Life
AirPods Pro Gen 2 battery life has improved with up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge. Additionally, using the case allows for a total listening time of up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation enabled.
The battery life of the case is up to 30 hours compared to 24 hours for AirPods Pro Gen 1. Gen 1 also gets up to 4.5 hours with ANC.
AirPods Pro Gen 1 vs AirPods Pro Gen 2 – connectivity and other details
AirPods Pro Gen 2 features Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 5.0 on AirPods Pro Gen 1. In addition, the AirPods Pro Gen 2 case includes the U1 chip with Precision Finding to identify the location.
A built-in speaker helps people get further into the place. An integrated lanyard loop lets you attach your case to a backpack or purse.
The case for AirPods Pro Gen 2 can be charged either wirelessly with a MagSafe charger, an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charger, or with the Lightning connector.
Gen 2 retains the same sweat and water resistance as Gen 1 at IPX4. It also includes an extra small silicone ear tip, while AirPods Pro Gen 1 only had three. The four sizes are XS, S, M and L.
AirPods Pro Gen 1 vs AirPods Pro Gen 2 Prices
AirPods Pro Gen 2 retains the same price of $249 as its predecessor, or $41.50 per month for six months with Apple Card Monthly installments.
A purchase of AirPods Pro Gen 2 includes six free months of Apple Music for new subscribers.
AirPods Pro Gen 1 vs AirPods Pro Gen 2 – What to buy
Getting the latest products is always an excellent option for new buyers who don’t have to worry about a budget. While AirPods Pro were recently on sale for just $169, the new $249 offer the latest case that supports charging with an Apple Watch cable, which can reduce the need for an additional charger, meaning if the person has an apple watch.
New audio options could also tempt existing AirPods Pro owners. They can adapt to different head shapes and feature smarter noise cancellation and superior three-dimensional sound. And the new extra small silicone ear tip is good for small ear canals.