AirPods Pro 2 release date, price, specs: Apple finally introduces next-gen chip for wireless earbuds

After being in the rumor mill for nearly a couple of years, the AirPods Pro 2 was finally unveiled during Apple’s event on Wednesday. The wait may be worth it, though, as the next-generation premium wireless earbuds feature an all-new chip, longer battery life, and improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

H2 chip and improved noise cancellation

One of the most notable upgrades in the AirPods Pro 2 is the introduction of the H2 chip. Its predecessor had been used since the first generation AirPods, so it is high time that Apple launches the new wireless earbuds with a new processor.

The H2 chip also delivers a host of improvements to AirPods Pro 2 features and audio performance, including ANC and Transparency Mode. With the new chip, Apple says the AirPods Pro 2 can now cancel “up to twice as much noise” as its predecessor.

Transparency Mode also received an update in AirPods Pro 2 with the Adaptive Transparency feature. Apple says the H2 chip is capable of “on-device processing,” allowing the earbuds to determine loud sounds in the surroundings, “like a passing vehicle siren, construction tools, or even loud speakers at a concert,” when Transparency Mode is enabled.

Old design, longer battery life

Previous rumors claimed that the AirPods Pro 2 would be redesigned to lose the stems. That did not become a reality and the earbuds look quite identical to the first model. However, maintaining the stems appears to have its function as Apple introduces Touch controls in the new device.

AirPods Pro 2 users will be able to control media playback and adjust the volume through light swipes on the stems. Pressing the stems will also allow users to answer phone calls.

Another rumored feature that did not pan out was the supposed heart rate sensor. But AirPods Pro 2 is still equipped with an improved “built-in skin-detect sensor” so it can better determine when to turn the music on or off.

Aside from the H2 chip, the AirPods Pro 2’s longer battery life should make the wait worth it. The earbuds are advertised with up to six hours of listening time with ANC on a single charge — 1.5 hours more than its predecessor. Apple said the case can also provide up to four additional charges, bringing the total battery life to up to 30 hours — six hours more than the first AirPods Pro.

Release date, price

Apple customers can pre-order the AirPods Pro 2 for $249 starting Monday, Sept. 19. But the wireless earbuds will not arrive in stores until Friday, Sept. 23.

Photo by David Levêque on Unsplash