AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro
Units and charging case of second-generation AirPods Pro
DeveloperApple Inc.
ManufacturerLuxshare (under contract)
Product familyAirPods
TypeWireless in-ear headphones
Release date
  • 1st generation:
    October 30, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-10-30)
  • 2nd generation (Lightning):
    September 23, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-09-23)
  • 2nd generation (USB-C):
    September 22, 2023; 14 months ago (2023-09-22)
Introductory price
  • US$249.00
Discontinued1st gen: September 7, 2022 (2022-09-07)
System on a chip
InputBoth: Dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone, motion-detecting accelerometer, speech-detecting accelerometer
1st gen: Dual optical sensors, force sensor
2nd gen: Skin-detect sensor, touch control
ConnectivityAirPods (each)
1st gen: Bluetooth 5
2nd gen: Bluetooth 5.3
2nd gen (USB-C): 5 GHz radio
Charging case
1st gen: Lightning port, Qi, MagSafe (after October 2021)
2nd gen: Lightning port (before September 2023) / USB-C port (after September 2023), Qi, MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, Ultra-wideband
Current firmware1st gen: 6A326
2nd gen: 7A305[1]
DimensionsAirPods: (each)
1.22 × 0.86 × 0.94 in
(30.9 × 21.8 × 24.0 mm)
Charging case:
1.78 × 2.39 × 0.85 in
(45.2 × 60.6 × 21.7 mm)
MassAirPods: (each)
1st gen: 0.19 oz (5.4 g)
2nd gen: 0.19 oz (5.3 g)
Charging case:
1st gen: 1.61 oz (45.6 g)[2]
2nd gen: 1.79 oz (50.8 g)[3][4]
RelatedAirPods, AirPods Max
Websiteapple.com/airpods-pro

AirPods Pro are wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones designed by Apple, initially introduced on October 30, 2019.[5][6] They are Apple's mid-range wireless headphones, available alongside the base-level AirPods and the highest-end AirPods Max.

The first-generation AirPods Pro use the H1 chip, also found in the second-generation base-level AirPods. Notable additions include active noise cancellation, transparency mode, automated frequency profile adjustment, IPX4 water resistance, a charging case supporting wireless charging, and interchangeable silicone ear tips.[7]

In September 2022, Apple announced the second-generation AirPods Pro. The newer iteration incorporates the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, improved sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities, an extended battery life, volume adjusting gestures, support Find My tracking, provide compatibility with Apple Watch chargers, and extra-small sized ear tips. A revision in 2023 added IP54 dust resistance, support for lossless audio in conjunction with the Apple Vision Pro, and a USB-C charging case.

Models

First generation

Apple announced AirPods Pro on October 28, 2019, and released them two days later on October 30, 2019.[7] They include features of standard AirPods, such as a microphone. They also have noise cancellation to reduce exterior sounds background noise, accelerometers and optical sensors that can detect presses on the stem and in-ear placement, and automatic pausing when they are taken out of the ears. Control by tapping is replaced by pressing a force sensor on the stems.[8] They are rated IPX4 for water resistance.[2]

The AirPods Pro use the H1 chip also found in the second and third-generation AirPods, that supports hands-free "Hey Siri". They have active noise cancellation, accomplished by microphones detecting outside sound and speakers producing precisely opposite "anti-noise". Active noise cancellation can be turned off or switched to "transparency mode" that helps users hear surroundings. Noise cancellation modes can also be switched in iOS or by pinching the stems of the AirPods using the force sensor.[9]

The H1 chip is embedded in a unique system in a package (SiP) module enclosing several other components, such as the audio processor and accelerometers.[10]

Battery life is rated to be equal to the second-generation AirPods at five hours, but noise cancellation or transparency mode reduce it to 4.5 hours due to the extra processing.[11] The charging case advertises the same 24 hours of total listening time as the standard AirPods case. It also features Qi standard wireless charging compatibility.[11] In October 2021, Apple updated the bundled charging case with MagSafe.[12] Like AirPods, AirPods Pro have received criticism for their battery life.[13]

AirPods Pro Gen 1s in their charging case

AirPods Pro come with three sizes of silicone tips, including the attached medium set. There is a software test in iOS called the Ear Tip Fit Test that "checks the fit of your AirPods ear tips to determine which size provides the best seal and acoustic performance" to ensure a correct fit, as well as a feature called "Adaptive EQ" which automatically adjusts the frequency contour, claimed to better match the wearer's ear shape.[7] Starting in early 2020, Apple started selling tip replacements for AirPods Pro on their website.[14]

With iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, Apple added a spatial audio mode designed to simulate 5.1 surround sound. Supported apps include the Apple TV app, Disney+, HBO Max and Netflix.[15][16] Spatial audio requires an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV with an Apple A10 processor or newer.[17][18]

Illustrations of the H1 SiP
SiP from the top, showing the part containing the audio processors
SiP from the bottom, showing the H1 enclosure, the two accelerometers, the Bluetooth antenna connector and the large pad attaching a flex cable to all other components in the headphone

iOS 14 also added the ability to apply headphone accommodations to transparency mode, allowing the AirPods Pro to act as rudimentary hearing aids.[19] In October 2021, a new Conversation Boost mode was added as a customization of the regular Transparency mode. It boosts voices above background noise and music.[20]

Second generation

The second-generation AirPods Pro were announced at an Apple media event on September 7, 2022, and were released on September 23, 2022. They use an updated H2 chip with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and feature improved sound quality and noise cancellation, and longer battery life. They also include extra-small sized ear tips, and AirPods support swiping up and down to adjust volume. Ear tips are physically compatible with first generation AirPods Pro as they use the same connector, but Apple notes the second generation ear tips use a less dense mesh and recommends against intermixing them for acoustical consistency.[21][22]

The charging case includes the Apple U1 chip that supports Find My tracking, and includes a speaker for locating and status updates. In addition to Lightning, Qi and MagSafe chargers, it is also compatible with Apple Watch chargers. A lanyard loop was also added to the side of the case.[23][24]

In September 2023, Apple updated the second-generation AirPods Pro with improved IP54 dust resistance, an updated H2 chip that supports the 5 GHz band for lossless audio with the Apple Vision Pro, and a charging case with a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port.[25][26]

iOS 17 added "Adaptive Audio," which dynamically blends Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation to tailor the noise control experience as a user moves between changing environments; "Press" to answer/mute/end a call; "Personalized volume" which uses machine learning to adjust volume based on user preferences over time and surroundings; "Conversation awareness" which automatically lowers the volume if the user starts talking to someone nearby.[27] In iOS 18, a user can nod or shake their head to respond when talking to Siri and Voice Isolation during phone calls was also introduced.[28] In September 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of hearing aid software by Apple in the AirPods Pro.[29]

Compatibility

Support for AirPods Pro was added in iOS 13.2, watchOS 6.1, tvOS 13.2, and macOS Catalina 10.15.1.[11][9] They are compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth, including Windows and Android devices, although certain features such as automatic switching between devices and single-AirPod listening[30] are only available on Apple devices using its iCloud service.

Comparative technical specifications of all AirPods models
In production Discontinued Vintage Obsolete[31]
Model iPhone Bluetooth Headset[32] AirPods
(1st gen) 		AirPods
(2nd gen) 		AirPods Pro
(1st gen) 		AirPods Max AirPods
(3rd gen) 		AirPods Pro
(2nd gen) 		AirPods
(4th gen) 		AirPods
(4th gen with ANC)
Timeline Announced January 9, 2007[33] September 7, 2016 March 20, 2019 October 28, 2019 December 8, 2020 October 18, 2021 September 7, 2022 September 9, 2024
Released June 29, 2007[33] December 13, 2016 October 30, 2019 December 15, 2020 October 26, 2021 September 23, 2022 September 20, 2024
Discontinued March 23, 2009[33] March 20, 2019 September 9, 2024 September 7, 2022 In production September 9, 2024 In production In production
Model Model number[34] L A1221 A1722 A2031 A2084 A2096 A2564 A2931, A2699, A2698 A3053, A3050, A3054 A3056, A3055, A3057
R A1523 A2032 A2083 A2565
Case A1602 (Lightning) A1602 (Lightning)
A1938 (Wireless, Lightning) 		A2190 (Wireless, Lightning)
A2190 (MagSafe, Lightning) 		A2897 (Lightning)
A2566 (MagSafe, Lightning) 		A2700 (MagSafe, Lightning)
A2968 (MagSafe, USB-C) 		A3058 (USB-C) A3059 (Wireless, USB-C)
Model identifier [data missing] AirPods1,1 AirPods2,1 iProd8,1 iProd8,6 AirPods1,3 AirPodsPro1,2 and AirPods3,1 AirPods1,4 and AirPods3,2[35] AirPods1,4 and AirPods3,3[35]
Order numbers MA817AM (with iPhone dual dock)
MB536AM (without iPhone dual dock) 		MMEF2AM MV7N2AM (Lightning)
MRXJ2AM (wireless) 		MWP22AM MGYJ3AM (silver)
MGYH3AM (space gray)
MGYL3AM (sky blue)
MGYM3AM (pink)
MGYN3AM (green)
(Lightning)
(midnight)
(starlight)
(blue)
(orange)
(purple) (USB-C)
 MME73AM MQD83AM
Compatibility Bluetooth 2.0 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models with iOS 10 or later, Apple Watch models with watchOS 3 or later, and Mac models with macOS Sierra or later.[36] Devices running iOS 12.2 or later, macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later, and watchOS 5.2 or later.[37] Devices that support Bluetooth, including Android and Windows devices, although certain features such as Siri require an Apple device running iOS 13.2, watchOS 6.1, tvOS 13.2, and macOS Catalina 10.15.1 Devices that support Bluetooth, including Android and Windows devices, although certain features such as Siri require an Apple device running iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3, watchOS 7.2, tvOS 14 or macOS Big Sur.[38] Devices that support Bluetooth, including Android and Windows devices, although certain features such as Siri require an Apple device running iOS 15.1 or later, iPadOS 15.1 or later, macOS Monterey 12.0 or later, and watchOS 8.1 or later.[39] Devices that support Bluetooth, including Android and Windows devices, although certain features such as Siri require an Apple device running iOS 15.1 or later, iPadOS 15.1 or later, macOS Monterey 12.0 or later, and watchOS 8.1 or later.[39]
System on a chip None Apple W1 chip Apple H1 chip (343S00289, 343S00290) Apple H1 chip Apple H1 chip (343S00404) Apple H1 chip Apple H2 chip Apple H2 chip
Battery Strength Per AirPod [data missing] 0.093 Wh 0.16 Wh 2 × 2.53 Wh (right ear cup) 0.133 Wh ? ?
Case 1.52 Wh 1.98 Wh 1.33 Wh 1.997 Wh ?
Capacity No case 398 mAh (case) 519 mAh (case) 664 mAh (right ear cup) 345 mAh (case) 523 mAh (case)
Firmware Original release Not upgradable 3.3.1 6.3.2 2B584 3C16 3E751 5A374
Latest / final[40] 6.8.8 6A326 6A326 6A326 (Lighting) 7A291 (USB-C) 6A326 7A302 7A304 7A304


See also

References

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  3. ^ "AirPods Pro (2nd generation) - Technical Specifications". Apple Support. Apple Inc. September 28, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  4. ^ "AirPods Pro (2nd generation) - Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
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  32. ^ Included for comparison purposes
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