Apple, as one of the world’s leading technology companies, has always been at the forefront of innovation, particularly when it comes to wireless earbuds. The AirPods Pro are among the most popular and widely used earbuds on the market today. However, since the original Apple AirPods Pro, Apple has released a second-generation model, and you may be wondering what the difference is and whether you should spend a little more money to get the newer model.
This article will go over the differences between the Apple AirPods Pro Gen 1 and the Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 (AirPods Pro 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen) to help you decide which is a better buy.
Without further ado, let’s get started…
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) vs AirPods Pro (1st generation): Specs
| Specs | AirPods Pro (1st generation) | AirPods Pro (2nd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Earbud: 30.9 x 21.8 x 24.0mm Case: 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7mm | Earbud: 30.9 x 21.8 x 24.0mm Case: 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7mm |
| Weights | Earbud: 5.4g Case: 45.6g | Earbud: 5.3g Case: 50.8g |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 SBC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.3 SBC, AAC |
| Water resistance | Earbuds: IPX4 | Earbuds: IPX4 Case: IPX4 |
| Listening time | 4.5 hours with ANC With case: up to 24 hours | 6 hours with ANC (5.5 hours with Personalized Spatial Audio and Head Tracking) With case: up to 30 hours |
| Talk time | 3.5 hours with ANC With case: up to 18 hours | 4.5 hours with ANC With case: up to 24 hours |
| Charging | Lightning MagSafe Qi wireless | Lightning MagSafe Qi wireless |
| Speakers and microphones | Custom high-excursion Apple driver Four microphones | Custom high-excursion Apple driver Four microphones |
| Device compatibility | Latest versions of iOS, macOS, Apple Watch, Apple TV Android: Limited Bluetooth features only Windows: Limited Bluetooth features only | Latest versions of iOS, macOS, Apple Watch, Apple TV Android: Limited Bluetooth features only Windows: Limited Bluetooth features only |
| Chipset | Earbuds: H1 | Earbuds: H2 Case: U1 |
| Ear tip selection | S, M, L | XS, S, M, L |
| Colors | White | White |
| Price | $249 (Discontinued) | $249 |
What’s the Difference Between the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) And the Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation)?
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are similar to the Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) in that they are buttery smooth on an iPhone. The earbuds themselves are nearly identical in appearance and feel. The stemmed design, all-white color scheme, and control layout are all retained in both. They both retain the silicone ear tips that distinguish them from other AirPods models and allow them to fit much more securely in your ear. However, if you have trouble with masks and longer hair, the stemmed design may catch on them.
The earbuds on both the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and the AirPods Pro (1st generation) have an IPX4 rating, which means they’re resistant to splashes of water and sweat. However, the second-generation model expands that rating to include the case as well, so you won’t have to worry about pulling it out in the rain.
While the two AirPods Pro models appear to be very similar, they are not. The second generation model has an upgraded H2 chip in the earbuds and a U1 chip in the charging case. The H2 chip improves on the previous AirPods Pro H1 chip in many ways, including improved battery life, noise cancellation, transparency mode, and connection stability. The U1 chip improves the charging case’s location services—it’s now precisely findable with the Find My iOS app and has a small speaker to emit a sound that aids in finding it.
Essentially, the new AirPods Pro are just as simple to use and far less likely to be misplaced. It also comes with an extra pair of ear tips (sizes XS-L).
AirPods Pro 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen: Design and Dimensions
Physically, the second-generation AirPods Pro case is similar to the first-generation AirPods Pro case, with the exception of a slightly heavier case at 1.79 grams, compared to 1.61 grams on Gen 1. This is due to the additional metal in the lanyard anchor, which is now located on the right side.
In addition to the retained Lightning port, the case has a new speaker on the bottom. It is used for tracking as well as new audio cues. When you put your AirPods Pro down to charge, a chime will sound.
The earbuds themselves appear to be nearly indistinguishable from one another. They’re the same size and shape, with minor differences.
Apple has improved the skin detection sensor found on the third-generation AirPods so that it detects your ears rather than your pockets. This change implies that the sensors on the earbuds have shrunk or been relocated.
Earbuds from both generations are 1.22 inches long, 0.86 inches wide, and 0.94 inches deep. The dimensions of each case are 1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85 inches.
AirPods Pro 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen: Features
The H2 chip in the AirPods Pro Gen 2 allows for up to two times more active noise cancellation. Furthermore, a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms assist ANC in reducing unwanted noise.
Those new drivers also improved the audio quality. There is more bass and clearer audio across a wider frequency range.
Adaptive Transparency makes use of the newly discovered H2 chip to intelligently reduce loud noises and minimize sounds at up to 48,000 times per second. It allows ambient noise to pass through but reduces the volume when a siren, power tool, or other sudden loud noise is nearby.
Adaptive Transparency mode requires the H2 chip and will not be available on the first-generation AirPods Pro, despite changes made early in the iOS 16.1 beta process.
For physical controls, both AirPods Pro models rely on Force Stems. Squeeze to play and pause music, answer and end phone calls, or hold to toggle between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Adaptive Transparency.
The second-generation AirPods Pro, on the other hand, can control volume as well. You can adjust the volume independently of your iPhone or Apple Watch by sliding your finger up and down the Force Stem.
Apple also took advantage of the opportunity to improve the microphones, providing greater clarity during phone calls and recordings. This is because of the new hardware and improved algorithms on the H2 chip.
AirPods Pro 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen: Battery Life
The battery life of the AirPods Pro has been improved, with up to 6 hours of listening time with a single charge and ANC turned on. However, with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking enabled, the battery life drops to 5.5 hours. The first generation could last up to 4.5 hours on a single charge.
Furthermore, using the case allows for up to 30 hours of total listening time, whereas the first generation could only handle up to 24 hours.
In both cases, charging the AirPods Pro in the case yields about an hour of listening time from a five-minute charge.
AirPods Pro 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen: Connectivity and Other Details
Bluetooth 5.3 is used in the AirPods Pro Gen 2 instead of Bluetooth 5.0 in the AirPods Pro Gen 1. In addition, the AirPods Pro Gen 2 case includes the U1 chip with Precision Finding to assist in locating the device.
Both sets of earbuds can be linked to your Apple ID and added to the Find My app, but only the second-generation models support Precision Finding with the ultra-wideband U1. You can use this to find your misplaced but nearby AirPods in the same way that you would an AirTag.
A built-in speaker in the new charging case aids in pinpointing the location. Even if you’re buried under a couch cushion, it’s quite loud and easy to hear.
Both the first and second generations of AirPods Pro support charging via Lightning, Qi, and MagSafe. The new 2022 AirPods Pro also supports Apple Watch chargers.
Simply placing the charging case on any Apple Watch charging puck now works, which can be extremely convenient depending on which chargers you have on hand at any given time.
Gen 2 maintains the same sweat and water resistance as Gen 1 at IPX4, allowing them to withstand sweat from workouts and light rain but not submersion.
Apple also includes an extra-small silicone ear tip in the second-generation model, whereas the first-generation AirPods Pro had only three. The available sizes are XS, S, M, and L.
AirPods Pro 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen: Pricing
The price of the AirPods Pro Gen 2 remains at $249, or $41.50 per month for six months with Apple Card Monthly Installments.
For new Apple Music subscribers, the purchase of AirPods Pro Gen 2 includes six months of free service.
Should you buy Apple AirPods Pro Gen 1 or Gen 2?
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Pro (1st generation) owners will find numerous appealing features in both models. Both earbuds provide outstanding noise cancellation, sound quality, and control. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, outperforms the original earbuds in terms of features like active noise cancellation (ANC), device tracking, and battery life. If you have smaller ears, the XS ear tips included with the AirPods Pro 2 may be preferable. Furthermore, those who intend to use their earbuds for phone calls will benefit from the newer AirPods Pro.
While the AirPods Pro 2 have more advanced technology than the AirPods Pro 1, it may not be beneficial for everyone to upgrade. The AirPods Pro 1 continues to be great earbuds, with nearly identical sound quality to the AirPods Pro 2. Both sets of AirPods Pro offer the same exclusive Apple features, such as spatial audio with head tracking.
When purchasing the new AirPods Pro, two things should be considered: tracking for the charging case and a more advanced Transparency mode. However, if you don’t mind slightly less effective ANC and slightly quieter bass, the AirPods Pro 1 is a better buy.
Conclusion
While the two models appear to be nearly identical in design and appearance, the Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 has a few key advantages over the first-generation model, including improved sound quality thanks to the new H1 chip and improved noise-cancellation features. However, these enhancements come at a cost, as the Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 are more expensive than the first generation. Finally, the decision between the two may come down to your budget and the importance of the new features to you.
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