AirPods Pro#First generation

{{Short description|Wireless earbuds produced by Apple}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2018}}

{{Infobox information appliance

| name = AirPods Pro

| logo = File:AirPods_Pro.svg

| image = AirPods Pro (2nd generation).jpg

| caption = Units and charging case of second-generation AirPods Pro

| image_size = 250px

| developer = Apple Inc.

| family = AirPods

| type = Wireless in-ear headphones

| releasedate = {{Plainlist|

  • 1st generation:
    {{Start date and age|2019|10|30}}
  • 2nd generation (Lightning):
    {{Start date and age|2022|9|23}}
  • 2nd generation (USB-C):
    {{Start date and age|2023|9|22}}

}}

| baseprice = {{hlist|US$249.00}}

| units sold =

| soc = {{Plainlist|

}}

| discontinued = 1st gen: {{Start date|2022|9|7}}

| input = Both: Dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone, motion-detecting accelerometer, speech-detecting accelerometer
1st gen: Dual optical sensors, force sensor
2nd gen: Skin-detect sensor, touch control

| connectivity = AirPods {{small|(each)}}
1st gen: Bluetooth 5
2nd gen: Bluetooth 5.3
2nd gen (USB-C): 5 GHz radio
Charging case
1st gen: Lightning port, Qi, MagSafe (after October 2021)

2nd gen: Lightning port (before September 2023) / USB-C port (after September 2023), Qi, MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, Ultra-wideband

| currentfw = 1st gen: 6F21
2nd gen: 7E93{{Cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340 |title=About firmware updates for AirPods |date=October 7, 2024 |website=Apple Support |publisher=Apple Inc. |access-date=October 7, 2024}}

| dimensions = AirPods: {{small|(each)}}
{{cvt|30.9|x|21.8|x|24.0|mm|in|abbr=values|disp=preunit|mm|in|order=flip}}
Charging case:
{{cvt|45.2|x|60.6|x|21.7|mm|in|abbr=values|disp=preunit|mm|in|order=flip}}

| weight = AirPods: {{small|(each)}}
1st gen: {{cvt|5.4|g|oz|order=flip}}
2nd gen: {{cvt|5.3|g|oz|order=flip}}
Charging case:
1st gen: {{cvt|45.6|g|oz|order=flip}}{{Cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/SP811 |title=AirPods Pro (1st generation) with Wireless Charging Case - Technical Specifications |date=September 16, 2022 |website=Apple Support |publisher=Apple Inc. |access-date=January 24, 2024}}
2nd gen: {{cvt|50.8|g|oz|order=flip}}{{Cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/SP880 |title=AirPods Pro (2nd generation) - Technical Specifications |date=September 28, 2023 |website=Apple Support |publisher=Apple Inc. |access-date=January 24, 2024}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/specs/ |title=AirPods Pro (2nd generation) - Technical Specifications |publisher=Apple Inc. |access-date=January 24, 2024}}

| website = [https://apple.com/airpods-pro apple.com/airpods-pro]

| manufacturer = Luxshare (under contract)

| related = AirPods, AirPods Max

}}

AirPods Pro are wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones designed by Apple, initially introduced on October 30, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/10/apple-announces-airpods-pro/|title=Apple announces AirPods Pro|work=Ars Technica|last=Axon|first=Samuel|date=28 October 2019|access-date=28 October 2019|archive-date=January 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114184256/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/10/apple-announces-airpods-pro/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/28/20936454/apple-airpods-pro-new-release-date-price-noise-cancellation-design-immersive-sound|title=Apple announces AirPods Pro with noise cancellation, coming October 30th|work=The Verge|last=Welch|first=Chris|date=28 October 2019|access-date=28 October 2019|archive-date=December 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213220704/https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/28/20936454/apple-airpods-pro-new-release-date-price-noise-cancellation-design-immersive-sound|url-status=live}} They are Apple's mid-range wireless headphones, available alongside the base-level AirPods and the highest-end AirPods Max.

The first-generation AirPods Pro use the H1 chip, also found in the second-generation base-level AirPods. Notable additions include active noise cancellation, transparency mode, automated frequency profile adjustment, IPX4 water resistance, a charging case supporting wireless charging, and interchangeable silicone ear tips.{{cite web|title=AirPods Pro|url=https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/|website=Apple|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-29|archive-date=October 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029030035/https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/|url-status=live}}

In September 2022, Apple announced the second-generation AirPods Pro. The newer iteration incorporates the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, improved sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities, an extended battery life, volume adjusting gestures, support Find My tracking, provide compatibility with Apple Watch chargers, and extra-small sized ear tips. A revision in 2023 added IP54 dust resistance, support for lossless audio in conjunction with the Apple Vision Pro, and a USB-C charging case.

Models

= First generation =

Apple announced AirPods Pro on October 28, 2019, and released them two days later on October 30, 2019. They include features of standard AirPods, such as a microphone. They also have noise cancellation to reduce exterior sounds background noise, accelerometers and optical sensors that can detect presses on the stem and in-ear placement, and automatic pausing when they are taken out of the ears. Control by tapping is replaced by pressing a force sensor on the stems.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/9-cool-airpods-pro-tips-and-tricks-to-try-with-your-new-earbuds/|title=The 9 new AirPods Pro tricks you need to master now|last=Cipriani|first=Jason|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=2019-11-03|archive-date=November 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103151350/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/9-cool-airpods-pro-tips-and-tricks-to-try-with-your-new-earbuds/|url-status=live}} They are rated IPX4 for water resistance.

The AirPods Pro use the H1 chip also found in the second and third-generation AirPods, that supports hands-free "Hey Siri". They have active noise cancellation, accomplished by microphones detecting outside sound and speakers producing precisely opposite "anti-noise". Active noise cancellation can be turned off or switched to "transparency mode" that helps users hear surroundings. Noise cancellation modes can also be switched in iOS or by pinching the stems of the AirPods using the force sensor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/airpods-pro-are-249-might-actually-fit-in-your-ears-and-available-oct-30/|title=AirPods Pro are $249, might actually fit in your ears and available Oct. 30|last=Mihalcik|first=Carrie|work=CNET|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29|archive-date=October 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029071436/https://www.cnet.com/news/airpods-pro-are-249-might-actually-fit-in-your-ears-and-available-oct-30/|url-status=live}}

The H1 chip is embedded in a unique system in a package (SiP) module enclosing several other components, such as the audio processor and accelerometers.{{cite web|url=https://massless.info/images/SP20471-Advanced-SiP-in-the-Apple-AirPods-Pro-Sample.pdf|title=Advanced System in Package Technology in the Apple AirPods Pro|last=Dube|first=Belinda|work=System Plus Consulting|language=en|date=2020-03-11|access-date=2021-01-06|archive-date=November 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115142427/https://massless.info/images/SP20471-Advanced-SiP-in-the-Apple-AirPods-Pro-Sample.pdf|url-status=live}}

Battery life is rated to be equal to the second-generation AirPods at five hours, but noise cancellation or transparency mode reduce it to 4.5 hours due to the extra processing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/28/20936510/apple-ios-13-2-airpods-pro-compatible|title=Apple releases iOS 13.2 with support for AirPods Pro and iPhone 11 Deep Fusion|last=Lee|first=Dami|date=2019-10-28|work=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2019-10-29|archive-date=October 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029012105/https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/28/20936510/apple-ios-13-2-airpods-pro-compatible|url-status=live}} The charging case advertises the same 24 hours of total listening time as the standard AirPods case. It also features Qi standard wireless charging compatibility. In October 2021, Apple updated the bundled charging case with MagSafe.{{Cite web|title=AirPods Pro Now Available With MagSafe Charging Case for Same $249 Price|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2021/10/18/airpods-pro-magsafe-charging-case/|access-date=2021-10-18|website=MacRumors|date=October 18, 2021 |language=en|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023142322/https://www.macrumors.com/2021/10/18/airpods-pro-magsafe-charging-case/|url-status=live}} Like AirPods, AirPods Pro have received criticism for their battery life.{{Cite web|last=Eadicicco|first=Lisa|title=Samsung is launching a new pair of wireless earbuds, and it sounds like they will have one big advantage over Apple's AirPods|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-plus-release-price-longer-battery-life-airpods-2020-2|access-date=2020-02-11|website=Business Insider|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225134104/https://www.businessinsider.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-plus-release-price-longer-battery-life-airpods-2020-2|url-status=live}}

File:Apple airpods pro case.jpg

AirPods Pro come with three sizes of silicone tips, including the attached medium set. There is a software test in iOS called the Ear Tip Fit Test that "checks the fit of your AirPods ear tips to determine which size provides the best seal and acoustic performance" to ensure a correct fit, as well as a feature called "Adaptive EQ" which automatically adjusts the frequency contour, claimed to better match the wearer's ear shape. Starting in early 2020, Apple started selling tip replacements for AirPods Pro on their website.{{Cite web|last=Statt|first=Nick|date=2020-04-15|title=Apple now sells AirPods Pro tip replacements on its website|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/15/21222930/apple-airpods-tip-replacements-for-sale-online|access-date=2020-04-16|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=April 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416012044/https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/15/21222930/apple-airpods-tip-replacements-for-sale-online|url-status=live}}

With iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, Apple added a spatial audio mode designed to simulate 5.1 surround sound. Supported apps include the Apple TV app, Disney+, HBO Max and Netflix.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-16|title=Which Apple Devices and Video Services Support 'Spatial Audio' on AirPods Pro?|url=https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2020/09/which-apple-devices-and-video-services-support-spatial-audio-on-airpods-pro/|access-date=2020-09-21|website=Lifehacker Australia|language=en-AU|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222070800/https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2020/09/which-apple-devices-and-video-services-support-spatial-audio-on-airpods-pro/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Chance |title=Netflix now rolling out Spatial Audio support on iPhone and iPad |url=http://www.9to5mac.com/2021/08/18/netflix-spatial-audio-support-roll-out/ |publisher=9 to 5 Mac |access-date=4 September 2021 |date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=September 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904145330/https://9to5mac.com/2021/08/18/netflix-spatial-audio-support-roll-out/ |url-status=live}} Spatial audio requires an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV with an Apple A10 processor or newer.{{Cite web|last=Espósito|first=Filipe|date=2021-06-16|title=Comment: tvOS 15 is a small update, but it brings two important new features to Apple TV|url=https://9to5mac.com/2021/06/16/comment-tvos-15-is-a-small-update-but-it-brings-two-important-new-features-to-apple-tv/|access-date=2021-06-24|website=9to5Mac|language=en-US|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225134105/https://9to5mac.com/2021/06/16/comment-tvos-15-is-a-small-update-but-it-brings-two-important-new-features-to-apple-tv/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Listen with spatial audio for AirPods Pro|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211775|access-date=2020-09-21|website=Apple Support|language=en|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003101354/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211775|url-status=live}}

{{multiple image

|direction=vertical

|header=Illustrations of the H1 SiP

|image1=Apple H1 SiP top.png

|caption1=SiP from the top, showing the part containing the audio processors

|image2=Apple H1 SiP bottom.png

|caption2=SiP from the bottom, showing the H1 enclosure, the two accelerometers, the Bluetooth antenna connector and the large pad attaching a flex cable to all other components in the headphone

}}

iOS 14 also added the ability to apply headphone accommodations to transparency mode, allowing the AirPods Pro to act as rudimentary hearing aids.{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Abram |title=AirPods Pro Become Hearing Aids in iOS 14 |url=https://www.hearingtracker.com/news/airpods-pro-become-hearing-aids-with-ios-14 |website=Hearing Tracker |access-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125230743/https://www.hearingtracker.com/news/airpods-pro-become-hearing-aids-with-ios-14 |url-status=live}} In October 2021, a new Conversation Boost mode was added as a customization of the regular Transparency mode. It boosts voices above background noise and music.{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Ian Carlos|date=2021-10-06|title=AirPods Pro can help you hear conversations better after recent firmware update|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/6/22713126/airpods-pro-conversation-boost-firmware-update|access-date=2021-10-07|website=The Verge|language=en-US|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007105415/https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/6/22713126/airpods-pro-conversation-boost-firmware-update|url-status=live}}

= Second generation =

The second-generation AirPods Pro were announced at an Apple media event on September 7, 2022, and were released on September 23, 2022. They use an updated H2 chip with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and feature improved sound quality and noise cancellation, and longer battery life. They also include extra-small sized ear tips, and AirPods support swiping up and down to adjust volume. Ear tips are physically compatible with first generation AirPods Pro as they use the same connector, but Apple notes the second generation ear tips use a less dense mesh and recommends against intermixing them for acoustical consistency.{{Cite web |title=Apple Explains Why Second-Generation AirPods Pro Ear Tips Are Incompatible With Original AirPods Pro |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2022/09/22/apple-explains-airpods-pro-ear-tips-compatibility/ |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=MacRumors |date=September 22, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924172714/https://www.macrumors.com/2022/09/22/apple-explains-airpods-pro-ear-tips-compatibility/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Apple says old and new AirPods Pro ear tips are incompatible because of mesh density |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/23/23368633/apple-airpods-pro-ear-tips-incompatible-mesh |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=The Verge |date=September 23, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924172720/https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/23/23368633/apple-airpods-pro-ear-tips-incompatible-mesh |url-status=live}}

The charging case includes the Apple U1 chip that supports Find My tracking, and includes a speaker for locating and status updates. In addition to Lightning, Qi and MagSafe chargers, it is also compatible with Apple Watch chargers. A lanyard loop was also added to the side of the case.{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=2022-09-07 |title=Apple's new AirPods Pro can cancel twice as much noise |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/7/23327631/apple-airpods-pro-new-second-gen-specs-price-release-date-features |access-date=2022-09-07 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907174417/https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/7/23327631/apple-airpods-pro-new-second-gen-specs-price-release-date-features |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Apple announces the next-generation of AirPods Pro |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/09/apple-announces-the-next-generation-of-airpods-pro/ |access-date=2022-09-07 |website=Apple Newsroom |language=en-US |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907183635/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/09/apple-announces-the-next-generation-of-airpods-pro/ |url-status=live}}

In September 2023, Apple updated the second-generation AirPods Pro with improved IP54 dust resistance, an updated H2 chip that supports the 5 GHz band for lossless audio with the Apple Vision Pro, and a charging case with a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port.{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=2023-09-12 |title=Apple is switching the AirPods Pro charging case to USB-C |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/12/23860305/airpods-pro-usb-c-cases-apple-announced |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-09-22 |title=Apple Explains Why Only USB-C AirPods Pro Support Lossless Audio With Vision Pro |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2023/09/22/apple-on-airpods-pro-vision-pro-lossless-audio/ |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=MacRumors |language=en}}

iOS 17 added "Adaptive Audio," which dynamically blends Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation to tailor the noise control experience as a user moves between changing environments; "Press" to answer/mute/end a call; "Personalized volume" which uses machine learning to adjust volume based on user preferences over time and surroundings; "Conversation awareness" which automatically lowers the volume if the user starts talking to someone nearby.{{cite web |title=iOS 17 |url=https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-17/ |website=Apple |access-date=4 November 2023}} In iOS 18, a user can nod or shake their head to respond when talking to Siri and Voice Isolation during phone calls was also introduced.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-25 |title=iOS 18 to Bring These 5 New Features to AirPods Pro |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/25/ios-18-new-features-airpods-pro/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=MacRumors |language=en}} In September 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of hearing aid software by Apple in the AirPods Pro.{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Angrej | title=FDA authorizes first OTC hearing aid software for Apple's AirPods Pro | website=Axios | date=2024-09-12 | url=https://www.axios.com/2024/09/12/fda-hearing-device-otc-apple-airpods | access-date=2024-09-13}}

Compatibility

Support for AirPods Pro was added in iOS 13.2, watchOS 6.1, tvOS 13.2, and macOS Catalina 10.15.1. They are compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth, including Windows and Android devices, although certain features such as automatic switching between devices and single-AirPod listening{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2022 |title=Do AirPods Work Well on Android Devices? |url=https://www.macrumors.com/guide/airpods-android/ |access-date= |website=MacRumors |language=en}} are only available on Apple devices using its iCloud service.

{{AirPods technical specifications}}

See also

References

{{reflist}}