Apple Announces New AirPods Pro With H2 Chip for Up to 2x Noise Cancellation and More

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.

AirPods Pro Second Generation
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."

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

asdex Avatar
36 months ago
Still with a Lightning port… unbelievable ?
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Toratek Avatar
36 months ago
Choosing literally the worst sounding Apple employee ever to do the delivery in this presentation was a stunningly stupid decision for a new audio device launch. Just incredible.

Nails on a chalkboard would literally be infinitely preferable than listening to that woman.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
trip1ex Avatar
36 months ago
Free sleeveless yellow parachute jumpsuit with purchase.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Justin Cymbal Avatar
36 months ago
Awesome!

I’m going to place my order for the new AirPods Pro as soon as the preorders start

I use my AirPods Pro every day when I go for long walks and I’m glad that Apple has made the 2nd generation even better!

I’m planning to take the AirPods Pro with me when I travel on planes next year and having the improved noise cancellation is definitely going to be awesome!

I’m glad that Apple has kept the price the same at $249
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kylo83 Avatar
36 months ago
I wanted lossless
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fireguy286 Avatar
36 months ago
Didn't say lossless audio out loud, so I assume that's a no - which was the only real reason to buy. Guess I'll pass.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)