During an event in which the company introduced a new ruggedized Apple Watch, new iPhone 14 models, and new iPhone 14 Pro models, Apple announced the anticipated update to maybe the most popular iPhone accessory, period.
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are built around the new H2 chip and bring improvements to sound quality and noise cancellation. Apple says a new low-distortion driver lies at the heart of the new buds along with a new custom amplifier to power it.
The result is a wider range of frequencies for richer bass and clearer audio.
Thanks to the new H2 chip, Apple says noise-cancellation performance is 2x better than the first generation of AirPods Pro. Plus, Apple has improved battery life to 6 hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours when accounting for the quick charges provided by the charging case.
Apple has also updated the body of the AirPods Pro to include a new capacitive touch layer. The first generation AirPods Pro could be controlled by pinching the stem of the buds. The new capacitive layer allows you to swipe up or down on the stem to adjust the volume.
Apple has also updated the design of the AirPods Pro charging case. The new case features a built-in lanyard loop and now allows charging via an Apple Watch charging puck in addition to MagSafe. The AirPods Pro also feature built-in FindMy functionality now and a new external speaker on the case makes pinging the buds louder and easier when you’re looking for them.
Apple says it is also including a new XS size in ear tip with the AirPods Pro for accommodating smaller ear sizes than before.
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will sell for $249. Pre-orders begin Sept. 9 with a release date of Sept. 23.
