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The AirPods Pro 2, not only did Apple already internally pack these with some decently sized upgrades last year when they launched, but in Apple’s recent September 2024 keynote, they announced some incredible new features coming soon via software updates.
The Design — Is It the Same?
From a glance, it doesn’t look like much has changed on the buds themselves between the first-gen and second-gen. They both rock that iconic in-ear design with the silicone tips and sleek, lightweight stems. But it’s the internals of these and the case that has got a nice little upgrade.
The AirPods Pro 2 case now comes with a speaker at the bottom and a lanyard loop on the side.
Well, if you’re anything like me and constantly misplace your stuff, the speaker works by notifying you when the battery is low, pairing is complete and for Find My notifications, by playing a sound, making it so much easier to locate your case when it’s lost. This little tweak is more useful than you’d think. Previously it was just the buds that were Find My compatible, now if you misplace any component of your AirPods, you’ll be able to find them.
The case is now IP54 dust, sweat and water resistant for non water sports and exercise. So, you don’t have to panic if it gets a little damp, something the first-gen AirPods Pro case didn’t offer.
What I’ve always missed on these types of earphones is the ability to change the volume. We’ve had play, pause, next track, previous track, holding to change between listening modes, for what seems like forever, with these wireless earphones, but no option to change the volume without reaching for your phone and manually doing it there. Now swiping up and down on the touch control within the stem, allow you to adjust the volume. Thanks Apple, for finally adding this feature.
Sound Quality — A Game-Changer?
The AirPods Pro 2 brings H2 chip power to the table, and that translates into some good improvements in audio quality.
