Apple AirPods Pro 2 launch with improved noise cancellation, new H2 chip and improved battery life

Very expected: Apple has released the all-new AirPods Pro 2, the first iteration of successful wireless earbuds with new features, improved performance, and even the return of Memoji prints to the charging case, if you’re interested.

The first-generation AirPods Pro were a big hit, with sales estimated to reach nearly 90 million units in 2020. Apple decided to capitalize on this success and release the first version/update of the popular premium wireless earbuds.

The headphones come with a new H2 chip that Apple claims improves audio bandwidth, which in turn delivers higher sound quality. AirPods Pro 2 also have a new “low distortion audio driver” accompanied by a dedicated amplifier to power said driver. Apple says the AirPods Pro 2 have “greater detail and clarity across a wider audio frequency range.”

Apple also claims that the H2 headphone chip provides improved active noise cancellation that cancels out twice as much noise as the previous generation. Transparency mode also returns, with the H2 chip enabling a new “adaptive transparency” mode that checks for loud noises an astounding 48,000 times per second.

Supported iPhone users will be able to take a photo of their ear, and Apple claims that artificial intelligence will be able to create an audio profile that perfectly fits the user’s ear shape, improving spatial audio performance. Users with small ears will also appreciate the new included XS eartips, which improve sound quality and isolation for them.

The force sensors found on the first generation AirPods Pro are back, but Apple is now introducing an on-ear touch sensor that allows users to perform various actions on the earbuds.

Battery life has also been improved, with Apple saying battery life has increased by 33% over the previous model, from 4.5 to 6 hours. They also claim that the charging case can now provide up to 30 hours of headphone battery life, which is better than 24 hours. Apple specification sheet further indicates that the headphones can charge up to one hour of audio playback with just five minutes of charging.

The charging case adds search accuracy as well as a speaker built into it to help users find their case if they have misplaced it. Magsafe, Apple Watch, and Qi-enabled chargers work for AirPods Pro 2 wireless charging as well as using the Lightning connector. It’s disappointing that Apple didn’t move to USB-C this generation. Maybe next time?

AirPods Pro 2 pre-orders start September 9th for $249. If that interests you, Apple will allow free “Memoji prints” on the charging case if you so choose. Headphones will go on sale from 23 September.