AirPods Pro 2 Amazing Features and Superior Sound Quality

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) Truly Wireless are the latest iteration of the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. When it comes to accessories compatible with an iPhone or Mac, Apple is the top choice, often overshadowing other options.

This is why, even though the original AirPods Pro is three years old, it remained a preferred option for my portable earbuds. The seamless integration with iCloud is a significant advantage for users with multiple Apple devices, and I find these earbuds to be the most comfortable due to their user-friendly controls. The microphones are dependable, making them a complete package typical of Apple products.

However, over the past three years, many innovations have emerged, and while the original AirPods Pro still holds up as a solid choice for Apple users, some limitations have become apparent: newer earbuds on the market offer superior sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, and volume adjustment features.

Therefore, it’s time for an upgrade. The new second-generation AirPods Pro enhance every aspect, making it challenging to find a reason not to recommend them to iPhone users—barring the price, of course. They feature improved sound quality, significantly better active noise cancellation, convenient volume control through the levers, and a redesigned case that sets a new standard in the market.

AirPods Pro 2 packaging

The packaging for the AirPods Pro 2 includes the AirPods Pro themselves and the charging case, along with a lengthy USB/Lightning cable and three sets of rubber tips (XS, S, L), in addition to the size M tips already installed.

This means there is now an extra pair of XS tips compared to previous versions. However, given the new attachment on the side of the case, it’s disappointing that Apple did not include a lanyard in the package.

Design and Comfort of the New AirPods Pro 2

When you first hold the new AirPods Pro, you may find it difficult to tell them apart from the previous version, as both the case and the earbuds appear very similar to the original generation. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice several differences, particularly with the case.

Starting with the earbuds, they retain a shape nearly identical to that of the first AirPods Pro, making it nearly impossible to tell whether you’re wearing the old or new version without looking closely.

This similarity is actually a positive aspect, as I consider the AirPods Pro to be the most comfortable earbuds available.

In terms of comfort, there are no surprises; it remains consistent with the original AirPods Pro. There are just two minor aesthetic modifications compared to the first model: the pressure relief grille and the sensor that detects when the earbuds are in use have been repositioned to the inner section rather than underneath.

Additionally, the type of sensor has changed; the previous generation featured a standard proximity sensor, while the new AirPods Pro utilize a skin-detect sensor, similar to that found in the third-generation AirPods. This new sensor can distinguish skin from other surfaces, which means there’s no risk of playback restarting when you set the earbuds down.

The most noticeable aesthetic changes are found in the case. It now includes a hook on the side for attaching a strap to help prevent loss, and a small speaker at the bottom that allows you to locate the case by ringing it and also plays notification sounds.

Beyond that, the case maintains the same shape as its predecessor, with identical dimensions, a similar tactile feel, the same charge indicator LED on the front, and the same pairing button on the back. Unfortunately, it still uses the Lightning connector on the bottom, missing an opportunity to transition to USB-C.

Lastly, both the earbuds and the case are now splash-resistant, boasting an IPX4 certification. While a higher level of resistance would have been preferable, it’s still great to see that the case is water-resistant.

AirPods Pro 2 sound quality

The sound quality of the AirPods Pro 2 is significantly enhanced thanks to Apple’s new H2 chip, which boasts double the transistor count of its predecessor. This processing power improves both noise cancellation and audio playback.

The AirPods Pro also features Adaptive EQ, a technology that adjusts sound based on ear shape, now performing even better with the H2 chip. Consequently, the second-generation AirPods Pro delivers a rich, detailed audio experience with precise bass and mids.

When comparing these to the original AirPods Pro, it’s clear they offer superior sound quality, though the improvement is more noticeable in sound spatiality than in frequency rendering.

The new model continues to support Spatial Audio, which creates a surround sound experience and enhances three-dimensional sound. This feature can be customized by scanning your head and ears with the iPhone’s front camera. While Custom Spatial Audio was also available on the first generation, the new AirPods Pro benefit from the H2 chip, resulting in a more expansive soundstage and improved instrument positioning.

However, there are a couple of criticisms regarding sound quality. First, the lack of an equalizer is a typical Apple decision, and while it’s unsurprising, the addition of various audio profiles would have been appreciated. Secondly, although early rumors suggested that the new AirPods Pro would support lossless audio, this isn’t the case.

While Apple Music did introduce lossless audio last year, no AirPods currently support this feature. It’s worth noting that few Bluetooth headphones offer lossless audio, and Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless codec is still not widely available in headphones.

On a positive note, Apple has made an interesting codec choice: in addition to the standard AAC, the AirPods Pro now support the new LC3 codec when paired with iPhones that have Bluetooth 5.2 and run iOS 16. The LC3 codec (Low Complexity Communication Codec) is set to become the new standard for Bluetooth audio, offering excellent sound quality even at lower bitrates.

Apps and Features

As usual, there is no specific app for AirPods Pro; instead, everything is managed directly through the iPhone settings. A dedicated section appears in the menu when a pair of AirPods is connected. Here, users can access the Earphone Fit Test to ensure the right ear tip is being used, adjust Spatial Audio by scanning their ears, and modify the long press behavior to choose between Noise Control and Siri, among other useful options.

While this isn’t entirely new, it’s important to highlight that within the Accessibility menu (AirPods > Accessibility > Audio Accessibility Settings > Headphone Adjustments), there are several valuable settings available, including the option to conduct a Custom Audio Setup that could enhance sound quality based on individual hearing.

Additionally, the case has some noteworthy features: it now emits sounds from the speakers at the bottom when the battery is low, when charging begins, or when the earbuds are connected to a device.

The most exciting update is the ability to locate the case using the Find My app. The case is equipped with the U1 chip, similar to that found in AirTags, allowing users to track down a lost case using Ultra-wideband technology. With a compatible iPhone (11 and newer), users can receive step-by-step directions to locate the lost case, which can also be made to emit a sound.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

The most significant improvement in the new generation of AirPods Pro is undoubtedly the noise cancellation feature, which has advanced considerably compared to the original model, positioning Apple once again among the leaders in the best active noise cancellation (ANC) technology available today.

While the first AirPods Pro offered impressive noise cancellation at their launch, the landscape has evolved over the past three years, with several competing models like the Sony WF-1000XM4, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, and OPPO Enco X2 providing superior performance.

With the second-generation AirPods Pro, Apple has made a strong comeback with exceptional noise cancellation that ranks among the best. A notable feature is the ability to monitor the decibel reduction of background noise using the Noise app on the Apple Watch.

Occasionally, users may experience a temporary “cork effect,” but this sensation quickly dissipates as the AirPods Pro automatically adjust the pressure in the ear.

Regarding Transparency mode, there wasn’t much room for improvement since the first AirPods Pro still rank among the top options available, effectively reproducing external sounds in a natural manner.

However, the new model introduces Adaptive Transparency mode, which lessens the impact of excessively loud noises. When this mode is activated, normal sounds are heard as usual, but those exceeding 85 dB in volume are dampened, allowing users to perceive sounds at a more comfortable level.

While the difference might not be apparent in everyday situations, it becomes noticeable in specific environments. For instance, I tested Adaptive Transparency while standing near a construction site with a jackhammer, and the noise was still detectable but significantly less intense than what I experienced with the original AirPods Pro.

Connectivity

The second-generation AirPods Pro come equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and are compatible with AAC, SBC, and LC3 codecs. They are among the first earbuds globally to adopt this new codec, which is an industry standard designed to ensure optimal audio quality with minimal latency. Like all Apple earbuds, the new AirPods Pro seamlessly connect to any devices linked to your iCloud account, enabling you to switch between them effortlessly and automatically.

AirPods Pro 2 and Controls

Similar to the original AirPods Pro, the second generation maintains the squeeze-based controls on the stems, but introduces a significant new feature: volume control.

The sensors have been upgraded to touch-sensitive technology, allowing users to not only press but also swipe up or down to adjust the volume. This volume control on the stems has become one of the most sought-after features in true wireless earbuds, and it’s great to see it included in the AirPods Pro, especially since it functions exceptionally well.

By default, the controls on both earbuds are the same and include:

• Click: Play/pause;
• Double Click: next song;
• Triple Click: previous song;
• Long Click: ANC/Transparency;
• Swipe up / Swipe down: Raise/lower the volume.

Autonomy

Battery life has been improved, with Apple claiming it can reach up to 6 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC). In my experience using the AirPods Pro with both ANC and Spatial Sound enabled, I managed to get around 5.5 hours, which is slightly less than advertised but still a decent performance.

The charging case offers around 4 full charges, resulting in a total usage time (with ANC) of about 30 hours. It features fast charging—only 5 minutes of charging provides an hour of use—and supports wireless charging as well. The new AirPods Pro case is compatible with MagSafe, the Apple Watch charger, and any Qi charger.

The microphones on the AirPods Pro 2 are outstanding for calls, and there have been some enhancements over the original version. In the audio recording provided, which was captured on a very busy street, you can hear that my voice remains clear and distinct, despite the noise from cars, trams, and nearby conversations. It’s an impressive outcome.