When you open the box of the new AirPods Pro 2 the first thing you think is certainly not that it is a new product.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) Truly Wireless is the next version of the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless.

When it comes to accessories that can be combined with an iPhone or Mac, there's Apple first and then there's everything else: That's why, despite being a model from three years ago, the first AirPods Pro was always one of the first choices when I was looking for earbuds to take with me. ICloud integration makes all the difference for anyone who uses more than one Apple device because these are the earbuds I consider the most comfortable ever because the controls are comfortable. The microphones are reliable—a complete package in full Apple style.

But in these three years, there has been no shortage of innovations, and although the first AirPods Pro has remained a very viable alternative for those using Apple, compromises have begun to show themselves: earbuds have arrived on the market that sound better, have better noise cancellation, and that It can adjust the volume.

In short, it's time to update these headphones. And the new second-generation AirPods Pro improves in every way, so much so that it's honestly hard to find a reason not to recommend them to those with an iPhone (except the price, of course). Improved sound quality, significantly improved ANC, finally volume control from the levers, and a completely new case, which will set standards in this sector.

AirPods Pro 2 packaging

In addition to the AirPods Pro and the charging case, in the sales package, we also find a rather long USB/Lightning cable and three pairs of rubber tips (XS, S, L), which are added to those applied by default (size M).

Compared to the past, we therefore find an extra pair of rubbers (XS). Considering the new attachment on the side of the case, it's a shame that Apple didn't also include a lanyard in the package.

Build and comfort with the new AirPods Pro 2

When you pick up the new AirPods Pro for the first time, you might struggle to distinguish them from the previous model: both the case and the earphones look almost the same as the first generation, but if you look hard there's no shortage of differences (especially on the case).

However, let's start with the headphones, which maintain a shape practically identical to the first AirPods Pro, to the point that, without looking, it is impossible to understand whether you are wearing the old or the new generation.

But don't get me wrong: this is a good thing because the AirPods Pro are the earphones that I find most comfortable of all.

No surprises on the comfort front, therefore, which remains unchanged compared to the first AirPods Pro.

In the earphones there are only two small aesthetic differences compared to the first model: the pressure reduction grille and the sensor that detects wearing it have been moved (now positioned in the internal section, not lower).

Not only does the position change but also the type of sensor: in the previous generation it was a normal proximity sensor, while on the new AirPods Pro, we have the skin-detect sensor, already seen on the third generation AirPods, capable of recognizing the skin compared to the rest.

This means, for example, that there is no risk of playback restarting when we place the earphones on the table.

The most obvious aesthetic differences instead concern the case: on the side we find a hook to which a strap can be attached so as not to lose the case, while on the bottom there is a small speaker, that allows us to ring the case to find it again, but which reproduces notification sounds as well.

For the rest, the case is identical in shape to the previous one: same dimensions, same comfort in the touch, same LED indicating the charge on the front, and same button for pairing on the back. And, unfortunately, the same Lightning connector on the bottom: too bad, it would have been a nice opportunity to switch to USB-C.

Finally, now not only the earphones but also the case are splash-proof, with IPX4 certification. We wouldn't have minded seeing a higher level of certification (and therefore resistance), but it's great that the case is also water-resistant.

The sound quality of AirPods Pro 2

Speaking of audio quality, it is right to start talking about Apple's new H2 chip: this new processor has much higher computing power than the previous one (double the number of transistors), which is used for both noise cancellation and playback. audio.

Even the new AirPods Pro uses Adaptive EQ (which we had already seen on AirPods 3), a technology that automatically adapts the sound based on the shape of your ears, and which is even more performing thanks to the H2 chip.

The result, in short, is that this 2nd generation AirPods Pro sounds good: the audio is rich in detail, with particularly accurate bass and mids.

The question, then, is: do they sound better than the first AirPods Pro? Obviously yes, but frankly the difference is not heard so much in the rendering of the various frequencies, but in the spatiality of the sound.

Also on the new AirPods Pro, we find Spatial Audio, the Apple function that simulates a surround environment and gives greater three-dimensionality to the sound. And, even in this case, Spatial Audio is customizable, scanning your head and ears via the iPhone's front camera.

Custom Spatial Audio was already available on the first AirPods Pro, but the difference between the two models is significant: probably thanks to the aforementioned H2 chip, the sound on the new AirPods Pro is more airy, the soundstage is wider and the positioning of the more precise tools.

Is everything perfect, in short? Almost, but regarding the sound quality I still have two criticisms.

The first concerns the absence of an equalizer: it is a very Apple-style decision and frankly, I would have been surprised otherwise, but if not exactly a band equalizer you could at least think of different audio profiles.

The second is not a real criticism, but rather a small disappointment: the first rumors about these earphones had deluded us that the new AirPods Pro could support lossless audio, but this is not the case.

Apple Music introduced lossless audio to its entire catalog last year, but no pair of AirPods supports this quality. But, to be honest, we must remember that practically no Bluetooth headphones still support lossless audio and that the first, timid step in this direction was made by Qualcomm with the aptX Lossless codec, but there are still no headphones on the market that support this codec.

In terms of codec, however, Apple has made a more interesting choice: in addition to the usual AAC, with iPhones with Bluetooth 5.2 and iOS 16, the AirPods Pro also supports the brand new LC3 codec.

The LC3 codec (Low Complexity Communication Codec) will be the new standard for Bluetooth transmissions: you can read about it in this dedicated article, but just know that it is a scalable codec, capable of offering the best possible audio quality even at low bitrates.

Apps and functions

As always, there is no application dedicated to AirPods Pro and everything is managed directly from the iPhone settings, where a specific item now appears in the menu when a pair of AirPods is connected.

Here we find the Earphone Fit Test to check that the rubber is the right one, the function to adjust the Spatial Audio by scanning the ears, the possibility of modifying the behavior of the long click (choosing between Noise Control and Siri), and a little of other useful options.

While this isn't entirely new, it's worth noting that buried in the Accessibility menu (AirPods > Accessibility > Audio Accessibility Settings > Headphone Adjustments) are several useful settings, including the ability to run a Custom Audio Setup, which could improve performance. sound performance based on your hearing.

There are also interesting innovations for the case: thanks to the speakers on the bottom the case now plays a sound when the battery is almost empty, when charging starts, or when the earphones are paired with a device.

But the most interesting news concerns the possibility of finding the case via the Dove'è application: the case is equipped with the U1 chip, the same one present on the AirTags, which therefore allows you to find the lost case exploiting the potential of the Ultra-wideband.

With a compatible iPhone (11 and above) you will therefore be able to see indications that will guide you step by step to find the lost case (which you can also ring).

Noise cancellation and Transparency mode

Noise cancellation is probably the aspect in which the generational leap is most noticeable compared to the first AirPods Pro: it has improved and brings Apple back to the top of the ranking of the best ANC on the market.

The noise cancellation function of the first AirPods Pro was surprising at the time of launch, but in three years things have changed a lot and various models have been established as excellent, offering significantly better performance: think of the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or the OPPO Enco X2, among the many we tried.

With the new 2nd generation AirPods Pro, Apple returns to impose itself with impressive noise cancellation, certainly among the best. In this regard, a gem is the ability to control how much dB the background noise is reduced from the Apple Watch Noise app.

In some moments, can create an unpleasant "cork effect". But the unpleasant effect does not last long, because the AirPods Pro automatically regulates the pressure in the ear.

As regards the Transparency mode, there was little to improve: the first AirPods Pro is still one of the best on the market today, capable of reproducing external sounds very naturally.

But there is something new: with the new AirPods Pro the Adaptive Transparency mode debuts, which reduces the impact of excessively loud noises. When Adaptive Transparency is active, all sounds are reproduced normally, but those that exceed 85 dB in the volume are reduced: this allows you to still hear the sounds, but they will be reproduced at a more modest volume.

In everyday life, you may not notice the difference, but it becomes noticeable when you find yourself in certain conditions: I experimented with Adaptive Transparency by stopping near jobs where a jackhammer was being used. The noise remained audible, but decidedly more attenuated than with the first AirPods Pro.

Connectivity

The 2nd generation AirPods Pro has Bluetooth 5.3 and supports AAC, SBC and LC3 codecs.

They are among the first earphones in the world to support this codec, a new industry standard, capable of guaranteeing the highest possible audio quality about latency.

As with all Apple earbuds, the new AirPods Pro automatically connects to all devices associated with your iCloud account, allowing you to quickly and automatically jump between them.

AirPods Pro 2 and Controls

Just like the first AirPods Pro, even for this second generation the controls are based on squeezing the rods, but there is a big new feature: the volume control. The sensors are now touch and, in addition to being pressed, they also support the swipe up and swipe down gestures to raise and lower the volume.

The volume control via the temples has become one of the most popular functions in the panorama of true wireless earphones and it is a pleasure to find it on the AirPods Pro, especially because it works very well.

By default, the controls are identical on the two earphones and are:

• Click: Play/pause;
• Double Click: next song;
• Triple Click: previous song;
• Long Click: ANC/Transparency;
• Swipe up / Swipe down: Raise/lower the volume.

Autonomy

Battery life also increases, which according to Apple reaches up to 6 hours with a charge with ANC active. Personally, using the AirPods Pro with ANC and Spatial Sound active, I managed to push them up to around 5 and a half hours, a little less than stated but still a satisfactory result. The case provides approximately 4 complete charges, for a total autonomy (with ANC) of approximately 30 hours.

There is fast charging (5 minutes is enough for an hour of battery life) and wireless charging: the case of the new AirPods Pro connects not only to MagSafe but also to the Apple Watch charger (but it also works with any Qi charger).

AirPods Pro 2 microphones

The AirPods Pro microphones are still excellent in terms of call sound, and the new earbuds have been improved slightly compared to the first model. In the audio recording below, recorded on a particularly busy street, you can hear how my voice always remains audible, despite cars, trams, and people talking nearby. Great result.