Apple AirPods Pro 2 Hands-On

Apple’s new H2 chip and new drivers give the new AirPods Pro significantly superior performance all around.

The long-rumored AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are official. Apple unveiled its latest noise-canceling true wireless headphones as part of its “Far Out” iPhone 14 event. They’re available for preorder on Friday and will ship starting Sept. 23 for $249 (£249, AU$399).

cnet : The new AirPods Pro follow the original noise-canceling model that debuted in October 2019. They’re powered by Apple’s new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple.

The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that should offer better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved — Apple says the new AirPods have “double” the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro.

Apple announces the next generation of AirPods Pro

Delivering unrivaled audio quality, enhanced Active Noise Cancellation, and new features for even more convenience

Apple today announced the second generation of AirPods Pro, the most advanced AirPods ever. With the power of the new H2 chip, AirPods Pro unlock breakthrough audio performance — including major upgrades to Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode — while also offering a unique way to experience Spatial Audio that’s even more immersive.

Now, customers can enjoy Touch control for media playback and volume adjustments directly from the stem, along with longer battery life, a brand-new charging case, and an additional ear tip size for a better fit.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will be available to order online and in the Apple Store app starting Friday, September 9, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 23.

“AirPods revolutionized the wireless headphone category with an innovative design and incredible sound quality. With the new AirPods Pro, Apple raises the bar once again,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

“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. With up to double the noise-cancelling power of their predecessor, the world’s bestselling wireless headphones just got even better.”

The AirPods Pro 2 promise better sound and noise cancellation

It’s been three years since the original AirPods Pro were launched — a lifetime when it comes to technology — but Apple finally announced its second-generation AirPods Pro at today’s Far Out iPhone 14 event. With an upgraded H2 chip, these headphones will have double the noise cancellation, newly personalized Spatial Audio, touch control and more.

cnn : Ready to hit the order button? Here’s what you need to know about the 2022 Apple AirPods 2, including price, when you can get your hands on them and all the nifty new features you can expect.
How to preorder AirPods Pro 2

The new AirPods Pro 2 with H2 chip retail for $249 with free engraving and Memoji, the same as the AirPods Pro. They can be ordered online and in the Apple store on Sept. 9 and will be available to purchase in stores two weeks later on Sept 23.

We also expect the AirPods Pro 2 to arrive at most major retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart, in the coming weeks.

Better sound and fit

The big guns on the AirPods Pro 2 all emanate from the new H2 processor packed inside. The design hasn’t changed, but yes, they promise to sound better, with high bandwidth connectivity, low distortion audio drivers and a custom amplifier. They are also being touted to offer more clarity over a wider range of sound frequencies.

Apple also announced an update to its Spatial Audio, one of our favorite features on both the AirPods and certain Beats headphones, and promises to personalize it based on the size and shape of your head and ears — using iOS 16 and your iPhone camera to help adjust it and set up an informed Spatial Audio profile. Plus, it comes with a bonus, extra-small ear tip for a better fit in tinier ear canals.

AirPods Pro 2 hands-on: More smarts for the same price

The AirPods Pro 2 — or AirPods Pro (2nd generation) — promise stronger performance and better battery life, plus convenient upgrades to the charging case. Here are our first impressions.

For the same starting price of $249 (AU$399), the Apple AirPods Pro 2 — or AirPods Pro (2nd generation) — have quite the selection of upgrades. They last longer, perform stronger and come with some clever changes that could make some of the best wireless earbuds even better.

Compared to the original AirPods Pro, the AirPods Pro 2 promise twice as effective active noise cancellation, 1.5 more hours of battery life (rated for 6 hours of playtime) and personalized spatial audio leveraging the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera for truly tailored listening.

The case gets improved as well: it offers 30 hours of playtime, can be found via Find My, can be juiced up wirelessly with an Apple Watch charger and introduces a small nook for attaching a strap.

AirPods Pro 2 price and availability

The AirPods Pro 2 price is $249 (AU$399), the same amount that original AirPods Pro launched at in 2019. In the meantime, the older AirPods Pro can usually be found on sale with the best AirPods deals.

tomsguide :‌ Check out our guide to AirPods Pro 2 preorders which start on Friday, September 9. Full availability starts Friday, September 23.

AirPods Pro 2 hands-on: Design

As a glance, there’s not much different in terms of design for the new AirPods Pro. The buds themselves are rather familiar, with visible hardware and touch pads in the same place. Multiple ear tips are still included, and are easy enough to swap and gauge with the Ear Tip Fit Test. There is a new extra small set, though.

Is AirPods Pro 2 or 3 better?

Sound quality and Dolby Atmos support
As you’d expect, there will a step-up in sound quality with each of these – so AirPods 3 will be better than AirPods 2, which are 2.5 years old now. AirPods Pro offer a step-up again with noise cancellation and ear tips.

What is the difference between AirPods Pro and 2?

Apple high-end AirPods Pro feature several improvements over the second-generation AirPods, including active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and water and sweat resistance.

Which generation of AirPods is better?

The AirPods Pro are the best wireless earbuds that Apple sells, and they deliver some of the best audio-quality and active noise-cancellation that you’re likely to find in any pair of wireless earbuds. The support a high-quality audio, such as Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.