Apple AirPods Pro get new H2 chip

Apple says its new AirPods Pro will deliver enhanced Active Noise Cancellation and new features powered with the new H2 chip. The second generation AirPods Pro get upgrades to Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode as well asa boost to Spatial Audio that Apple boast is “even more immersive”. 

In keeping with almost every other set of headphones on the market, you can now adjust the volume of the AirPods Pro without searching for your phone or messing with the Digital Crown on an Apple Watch through new Touch controls on the earbud stem. That’s one thing the rumour-mongers got wrong – the stem lives on.

The new H2 chip cancels up to twice as much noise over the previous generation AirPods Pro according to Apple. The entire design has been refreshed. While it might take a discerning eye to spot the difference from the outside, the updated AirPods have a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier which the company says offers richer bass and crystal-clear sound across a wider range of frequencies.

One of the more interesting features is the way Spatial Audio can be tuned to each person. We all perceive differently because the acoustics of our skulls and ears vary. Using the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, you’ll be able to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.

Battery life has been boosted by 1.5 hours of additional listening time for a total of up to six hours with Active Noise Cancellation over the first generation. And the new case boosts that to 30 hours – six hours more than the previous generation.

The charging case also gets a few other features. It has several different charging options including an Apple Watch charger, MagSafe, Qi-certified charging mat or the Lightning cable. The charging case is sweat- and water-resistant and includes a lanyard loop. And if it gets misplaced Precision Finding uses a U1-enabled iPhone to find the charging case with guided directions. The charging case also has a built-in speaker to deliver louder tones, so it’s even easier to locate.

Customers can now personalise the charging case with their individual Memoji, including custom-posed Memoji, Animoji and a curated list of stickers. To begin engraving, create and upload a Memoji in the Apple Store app.

The new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will be available to order for RRP A$399 inc. GST from apple.com/au/store starting Friday, 9 September with availability in stores beginning Friday, 23 September.