Compared: New AirPods Pro vs Original AirPods Pro | AppleInsider

Like the new Apple Watch SE, AirPods Pro Gen 2 retains most of the same features as AirPods Pro Gen 1 with some notable upgrades.

The upgraded product features a new H2 chip that powers smarter noise cancellation and three-dimensional sound. Plus, Active Noise Cancellation now cancels twice as much unwanted noise, so nothing interrupts the listening experience.

Physically, the AirPods Pro Gen 2 haven’t changed from the AirPods Pro Gen 1, other than a slightly heavier case at 1.79 grams, compared to 1.61 grams on Gen 1. Each case measures 1.78 x 2 .39 x 0.85 inches.

AirPods Pro Gen 2 offer up to twice the active noise cancellation thanks to the H2 chip. Plus, a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms help ANC reduce unwanted noise.

Adaptive Transparency uses the H2 chip to minimize sounds faster at 48,000 times per second. As a result, it will enhance the experience of walking through and past loud noises such as sirens or power tools.

AirPods Pro Gen 2 has new touch controls on the earbud stems. Swipe up or down to adjust volume, tap to play and pause music, answer and end calls, or press and hold to switch between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Adaptive Transparency.

A redesigned inward-facing microphone in AirPods Pro Gen 2 works with voice enhancement algorithms to better recognize voices.

Custom Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking is a new feature in AirPods Pro Gen 2. It works with the TrueDepth camera on an iPhone to create a custom profile based on a person’s head geometry. The profile syncs across all devices.

Dynamic Head Tracking now brings three-dimensional audio to group FaceTime calls.

Adaptive EQ adapts music to a person’s ears in real time, based on the fit of the AirPods Pro. Inward-facing microphones measure what you hear, then adjust the bass to the high frequencies of a song.

Battery life has improved in the AirPods Pro Gen 2 with up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge. Plus, using the case allows for up to 30 hours of total listening time with active noise cancellation turned on.

Battery life on the case is up to 30 hours, compared to 24 hours on the AirPods Pro Gen 1. The Gen 1 also gets up to 4.5 hours with ANC.

AirPods Pro Gen 2 has Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 5.0 on AirPods Pro Gen 1. Additionally, the case for AirPods Pro Gen 2 includes the U1 chip with Precision Finding to help identify its location.

AirPods Pro Gen 2 includes a new XS silicone tip

A built-in speaker helps people focus more on location. An integrated lanyard loop lets you attach your case to a backpack or purse.

The case for AirPods Pro Gen 2 can be charged either wirelessly using a MagSafe charger, Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger, or with the Lightning connector.

Gen 2 retains the same sweat and water resistance as Gen 1 at IPX4. It also includes an extra-small silicone tip, whereas the AirPods Pro Gen 1 only had three. The four sizes are XS, S, M and L.

AirPods Pro Gen 2 retains the same price of $249 as its predecessor or $41.50 per month for six months with monthly Apple Card payments.

A purchase of AirPods Pro Gen 2 comes with six free months of Apple Music for new subscribers.

Getting the latest products is always a great option for new buyers who don’t have to worry about a budget. While the AirPods Pro have been on sale recently for as little as $169, the new $249 ones provide the latest case that supports charging with an Apple Watch cable, which can reduce the need for an extra charger, that is, if the person has an Apple Watch.

The AirPods Pro Gen 2 case can be charged with an Apple Watch charger.

New audio options may also tempt existing AirPods Pro owners. They can adapt to different head shapes and feature smarter noise cancellation and superior three-dimensional sound. Plus, the new extra-small silicone earmold will fit smaller ear canals.