New AirPods Pro Improve Spatial Audio and Active Noise Cancellation
- Laurent Giret
- Sep 07, 2022
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Apple introduced the second generation of AirPods Pro today alongside the new iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and Apple Watch Ultra. The design of these new AirPods Pro is unchanged, though the new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier combined with Apple’s new H2 chip should deliver much improved audio quality.
“The new AirPods Pro deliver even better sound quality, a more immersive listening experience with Personalized Spatial Audio, and transformative audio features like Adaptive Transparency. With up to double the noise-canceling power of their predecessor, the world’s bestselling wireless headphones just got even better,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
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With iOS 16, users will be able to enjoy personalized spatial audio by creating a personal audio profile based on the size and shape of their ears. This new feature will require a recent iPhone with a TrueDepth camera. Additionally, these new AirPods Pro will come with an extra small ear tip delivering a better fit to more customers.
Apple claims that Active Noise Cancellation has been improved on its 2nd-gen AirPods Pro to double the amount of noise canceled compared to the first generation. With Adaptive Transparency, the AirPods Pro can also dynamically react to high-decibel noise such as construction work to improve comfort for users.
Another notable addition to these new AirPods Pro is touch controls, which will let users control media playback and turn up the volume without having to use another device. Battery life has also been improved with up to 6 hours of use per charge, and up to 30 hours of total listening with four additional charges.
The all-new charging case also comes with a built-in speaker to make it easier to locate, and Apple also included a handy lanyard loop. Moreover, the charging case can now be recharged with an Apple Watch charger in addition to a MagSafe charger, Qi-certified charging mat, or a standard Lightning cable.
The 2nd-gen AirPods Pro will be available to pre-order for $249 starting Friday, September 9, and they will start shipping on September 23. Apple will continue to allow customers to personalize the charging case with text, stickers, or emojis.