What’s new in the new AirPods Pro introduced with iPhone 14?

Apple’s new edition AirPods Pro promise even better audio quality, better noise cancellation and a handful of new features – though health sensors seemed absent in the announcement. Here’s the TL;DR run down:

What’s new in the new AirPods Pro?

— Better H2 chip for better audio.

— New touch sensitive controls.

— Improved noise cancellation.

— Instant pairing to all Apple devices for easy setup.

— New AirPods section in iOS Settings to access and control AirPods features.

— Extended Battery Life

The biggest improvement is the addition of a new Apple made H2 audio chip. The H2 chip enables on-device processing, which reduces loud environmental noise — like a passing vehicle siren — for more comfortable everyday listening.

This helps realise big improvements in audio performance, Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode.

They also support what Apple described as “double” the noise cancellation talent of their predecessors. AirPods Pro offer richer bass and crystal-clear sound across a wider range of frequencies.

A second critical improvement, which I think may lend itself to inclusion in future devices from the company, comes from touch sensitive controls built into the stem. Apple calls this Touch Control and you’ll use these to adjust volume and more.

[Also read: How to make AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max louder]

A third enhancement concerns FindMy. With Precision Finding, users with a U1-enabled iPhone can locate their 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.

To control AirPods Pro you’ll now do as you always have done and press the stem to change music or answer calls, or lightly swipe up and down the stem to adjust the volume. Using the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, users can create a personal profile for Spatial Audio that delivers a listening experience precisely tuned just for them

All these improvements come with longer battery life (1.5 hours more than before, with 30 hours of charge in the case), a brand-new charging case that’s easier to locate in the FindMy system, and an additional ear tip size for a better fit.

For more flexibility when traveling, customers can now charge AirPods Pro with an Apple Watch charger, at last, frankly. The charging case is also more robust, sweat- and water-resistant and equipped with a lanyard loop. Customers can now personalise the charging case with their individual Memoji.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will be available to order online and in the Apple Store app starting Friday, September 9, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 23. They cost $249.

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