Apple today announced the second-generation AirPods Pro with an upgraded H2 chip that provides up to twice as much active noise cancellation and more.
The new AirPods Pro look similar to the original. A new Touch Control feature on the stem allows users to adjust the volume with a swipe up or down, while the silicone ear tips are now available in a new XS size alongside small, medium, and large.
With a combination of the H2 chip and a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier, Apple says the new AirPods Pro offer "richer bass and crystal-clear sound across a wider range of frequencies." Active noise cancellation is improved by up to 2x, while Transparency mode has also been enhanced to better reduce loud environmental noises, such as a passing vehicle siren, construction tools, or loud speakers at a concert.
Apple says the new AirPods Pro provide longer battery life, with up to six hours of listening time per charge, which matches the third-generation standard AirPods released last year. The charging case now provides up to 30 hours of total listening time, compared to up to 24 hours of total listening time for the original AirPods Pro.
The new charging case features Find My support with a built-in speaker, IPX4-rated water and sweat resistance, and an integrated lanyard loop. The new case still has a Lightning connector for wired charging, and can now be wirelessly charged with an Apple Watch's magnetic charging puck in addition to MagSafe charging.
Apple says customers can personalize the new AirPods Pro charging case with Memoji featuring custom poses via the Apple Store app.
The new AirPods Pro will be available to order this Friday, September 9, with pricing set at $249 in the United States, which is the same price as the original. The second-generation AirPods Pro will be available on September 23.
"The new AirPods Pro deliver even better sound quality, a more immersive listening experience with Personalized Spatial Audio, and transformative audio features like Adaptive Transparency," said Apple marketing executive Bob Borchers. "With up to double the noise-cancelling power of their predecessor, the world's bestselling wireless headphones just got even better."
