Officially released are the long-rumored Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation). In conjunction with its “Far Out” iPhone 14 presentation, Apple presented its most recent pair of noise-canceling true wireless headphones. For $249 (£249, AU$399), they go up for presale on Friday and start shipping on September 23.
best Apple event: Full coverage
The new AirPods Pro are a replacement for the first noise-cancelling model, which launched in October 2019. They are driven by Apple’s new H2 processor, which the company claims offers more computing capability while using less energy. The new processor enables for enhanced sound that should provide better clarity and depth when used with new low-distortion speakers. Additionally, Apple claims that the new AirPods feature “twice” the noise cancellation of the first-generation AirPods Pro.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation): $249
Beginning on September 9, preorders for the 2022 AirPods Pro model will be accepted, with the first shipments of the new earbuds starting on September 23.Read more also here 15 Best Wireless Earbuds for 2022.
My early hands-on impressions
At the launch event, I had a brief opportunity to test the AirPods Pro 2 in front of a large crowd in the bustling demo area. Although it was only partially successful in masking the noise in the room, the noise cancelling does appear to have improved. On Apple’s iPhone 14 demo phones, I also noticed that the earbuds had a better sound quality than the original AirPods Pro. (I couldn’t utilise the buds with my own iPhone or the test tracks I usually use for headphones.)
I do believe that a tight seal is crucial for getting the best noise cancellation and sound quality. With the first AirPods, I used the big size tips and also used third-party foam tips; Apple hasn’t changed the shape of its ear tips, but it will now provide a fourth, extra-small ear tip for individuals with smaller ears.
The New AirPods Pro for 2022
Some folks had hoped that the new AirPods Pro would support wireless Apple Lossless music streaming. Apple made no mention of that, although it’s likely that certain functions will be made public in the future. For instance, Apple didn’t introduce Spatial Audio for the original AirPods Pro until several months after their release.
Apple claims that the AirPods Pro now include customised Spatial Audio to provide your ears a more customised listening experience. A new customised spatial audio feature, touch swipe controls on the stems to supplement the pinch controls, and an improved transparency mode are all included. The transparency mode is also improved and adjusts to ambient noise you encounter.
Up to six hours of battery life are now possible on a single charge (up from five), and the case provides an extra four charges. Additionally, a speaker has been included inside the casing, enabling it to produce noises for use with Apple’s accurate Find My function.
The AirPods Pro 2 are largely what I expected them to be: better sounding AirPods Pro with better noise cancelling, better battery life, and a wireless charging case with some enhanced features. However, some people may be disappointed Apple didn’t do more to upgrade the design of the AirPods Pro 2 (there are some tweaks to the microphone configuration and some other small refinements including the vents).
Stay tuned for my complete review, in which I’ll compare them to some other top noise-canceling earbuds, including Bose’s new QuietComfort Earbuds II, which were also presented today. I’ll have a lot more to say about them in that review.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 full features for 2022
- similar to the earlier AirPods Pro design
- run on an Apple H2 chip.
- A better audio experience with new low-distortion drivers
- enhanced noise cancellation (Apple says double the amount of ANC)
- Mode for adaptive transparency
- individual spatial audio
- Now that the charging case includes a built-in speaker on the bottom, it may use the Precision Find My function to play a sound.
- 1 hour longer than the original AirPods Pro, 6 hours of inbuilt battery life, and an additional 24 hours of charging time
- Touch swiping controls have been added to stems’ pinch controls.
may now charge using both a Qi wireless charger and an Apple Watch charger. - Lanyard and case may be linked (lanyard not included)
- Cost: $249, £249, or $399 AUD
- the 23rd of September (available for preorder Sept. 9)
