With the introduction of the AirPods Pro, Apple set a standard for the market in 2019. Companies like Samsung, Sony and Bose quickly followed suit with ironclad competitors evolving over the years. In 2022, Apple will come up with an answer in the form of the AirPods Pro 2.
The wow factor from 2019 seems to be achieved again and Apple is once again putting itself at the top. It’s just not quite what most of you might expect. The power of these AirPods Pro 2 is in it… the chip?
The new Apple AirPods Pro 2
The design hasn’t changed very much since 2019. The – still bright white – earplugs and its charging box have only been adjusted on a few points.
Apple has provided the AirPods Pro 2 with an extra grille. These provide improved noise reduction and transparency mode, which I will return to later in this review.
The boxes look largely the same, although there are also a number of pleasant changes to be discovered here. One of these is the option to attach a loop, so that you lose the earplugs less quickly.
Apple has understood that well, by the way. Losing AirPods is one thing in practice. Exactly why the AirPods Pro 2 has improved Find My functionality. As with the AirTags, it is possible to navigate to the earbuds or have the box play a sound as soon as it is nearby.
The sound comes from the speaker grill that can now be found on the charging box. In addition to the Find My features, it also plays a sound as soon as you place it on the charger, for example. That can be a standard, MagSafe, or even Apple Watch charger.
4 Rock-solid AirPods Pro 2 features
The AirPods Pro 2 really has to rely on the functionalities. I’ll discuss the power of the H2 chip in a moment, but first I’ll highlight four additions or changes that I think are particularly useful:
#1 Directly control the volume
It is striking that it has taken a long time, but the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are finally able to control the volume. Until now, this had to be done with the Apple Watch or the iPhone.
Grab the stem with two fingers. Then slide up to increase volume and down to decrease volume. Might take some getting used to, but very handy.
#2 Battery life improved 33%
Apple has also significantly improved battery life with the AirPods Pro 2. By 33% compared to the previous model, no less than.
The result is that you can use the earphones for six hours on a full charge, while the active noise cancellation is switched on. If you charge the earbuds with the case, it is even possible to enjoy them for 30 hours.
#3 Smaller tips
It won’t be for everyone, but Apple’s decision to include smaller tips is a good one. This time the medium tips are standard on the earbuds and you have the option to replace them with large, small or even extra small tips.
Handy tip: be sure to do the fit test on your iPhone. You can do that in Settings -> AirPods Pro. If you need smaller or larger tips, your phone will make that clear.
#4 Sound quality is better
The sound quality of the AirPods Pro 2 has improved, although Lossless Audio support is still nowhere to be seen.
However, it is possible to make optimal use of Personalized Spatial Audio. You scan your own ears via your iPhone, so that Spatial Audio is fully tailored to you. Ideal.
H2 the great power of AirPods Pro 2
Good. Now to the point where Apple really knows how to make a difference: the H2 chip. Don’t worry, I’m not going to get into a technical story about exactly how this one operates. Well, I’ll tell you what’s in it for you.
The H2 chip does two things: better active noise reduction and a masterful transparency mode.
The AirPods Pro 2 has noise cancellation that, according to Apple, filters twice as much sound as the first generation did. Difficult to determine, but I cannot ignore the fact that the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) provides ultimate peace of mind. The earplugs are among the top of the entire market in that area and cause the necessary frustrations at home, and I know how to completely ignore the editors when it’s busy.
Good, but not masterful. That title goes to transparency mode. As with the previous model and the AirPods Max, ambient sounds are excellent to hear. But with a little twist.
The AirPods Pro 2 still filter sounds above 90dB and pull them to 85dB or lower. A barking dog, screaming neighbor or siren: you hear them, but simply less loudly.
Apple’s earplugs are therefore not only ideal for music, but also for ear protection. Think, for example, of a concert, where the sound is usually much too loud. Trade in your regular protection for the AirPods Pro 2 and you’re still baked.
AirPods Pro 2: just incredibly good
After the success of the previous generation and the presentation of Far Out , the bar was set high. The AirPods Pro 2 seemed to be a masterful product and practice has only confirmed this last week.
The lack of Lossless Audio is incomprehensible, but that’s really where it ends. I have enough people around me who bought the previous model in 2019 and still wear them daily in 2022. The same role is also reserved for this new model.
The price of 299 euros is certainly not tender and perhaps too high if your current Pros are still doing excellently. But I assure you that the AirPods Pro 2 are worth every penny once you do want to take the step.
Conclusion
After the success of the previous generation, the bar was set high, but the AirPods Pro 2 turn out to be a masterful product. The lack of Lossless Audio is incomprehensible, but that’s really where it ends. The price of 299 euros remains spicy, but the improved components and the revolutionary H2 chip make it completely worth it.
Pros
- Find My Support
- Volume control stalks
- Battery life of 30 hours
- Improved sound quality
- More choice for tips
- Improved noise reduction
- Revolutionary transparency mode
Negatives
- Price tag remains hefty
- No Lossless Audio
