AirPods Pro

Apple in October 2019 debuted the AirPods Pro, a new higher-end version of its existing AirPods with an updated design, noise cancellation technology, better sound, and a more expensive $249 price tag.

Apple says that with the AirPods Pro, the company is taking the magic of the AirPods "even further," with the AirPods Pro to be sold alongside the lower cost AirPods 2.

The AirPods Pro look similar to the original AirPods, but feature a wider front to accommodate silicone tips for comfort, fit, and noise cancellation purposes. Tips come in three sizes to fit different ears.

Though we heard rumors suggesting AirPods Pro might come in multiple colors, Apple is offering them only in white, much like the original AirPods.

Active Noise Cancellation is a key feature of the AirPods 2, using two microphones (one outward facing and one inward facing) along with advanced software to adapt to each ear for what Apple says is a "uniquely customized, superior noise-canceling experience."

With a built-in Transparency mode that can be toggled on, users have the option to listen to music with Active Noise Cancellation turned on while still hearing the ambient environment around them.

Inside of the AirPods Pro, there's a new vent system aimed at equalizing pressure, which Apple says minimizes the discomfort common with other in-ear designs for a better fit and a more comfortable wearing experience.

Because of the new silicone tips, the AirPods Pro are larger than prior versions of the AirPods, necessitating a wider charging case. The new AirPods Pro case is longer in the horizontal dimension than the prior AirPods case, but still pocketable.

AirPods Pro are water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, which means they can hold up to splashing water regardless of the direction. This suggests AirPods Pro should be safe from sweat and light rain, but they shouldn't be submerged.

Apple says that AirPods Pro include an Adaptive EQ feature for superior sound quality. Adaptive EQ tunes the low and mid frequencies of the music to the shape of an individual's ear for a "rich, immersive listening experience."

Like the AirPods 2 and the Beats Solo Pro, the AirPods Pro are powered by an Apple-designed H1 chip. The H1 chip powers real-time noise cancellation, the Adaptive EQ feature, and hands-free "Hey Siri" support.

AirPods Pro last up to five hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation disabled, or four and a half hours when it's turned on. With Active Noise Cancellation, AirPods Pro also offer three and a half hours of talk time.

The AirPods Pro Wireless Charging Case supports Qi-based wireless charging and it can also be charged over Lightning (using the included USB-C to Lightning cable). The charging case offers more than 24 hours of additional listening time and over 18 hours of additional talk time.