Photo: Burkhard Mücke / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons · source
AirPods Pro (1st generation)
Silicone tips, active noise cancellation and a squeeze-based control.
Overview
The first AirPods Pro changed the shape of the product. Short stems, a vent system for pressure and three sizes of silicone tips produced a sealed fit that blocks sound passively before the processing begins.
Two microphones per bud, one facing out and one in, feed the H1 chip, which adjusts the anti-noise signal about 200 times per second. Transparency mode lets outside sound through when needed, and a squeeze on the stem switches between them. Conversations and commutes both became easier.
The case supported Qi wireless charging, the buds were IPX4 sweat and water resistant, and Spatial Audio came as a software update in 2020. A MagSafe case followed in 2021 for the same buds. The model sold well for almost three years.
Why it mattered
Brought noise cancellation to AirPods and defined the premium tier of Apple earbuds.
At a glance
- Announced
- October 28, 2019
- Released
- October 30, 2019
- Discontinued
- September 7, 2022
- Launch price
- $249
- Status
- Discontinued
Highlights
- Active noise cancellation
- Transparency mode
- Silicone tips in three sizes
- Force sensor controls
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Audio
- Driver
- Custom high-excursion Apple driver with high dynamic range amplifier
- Noise control
- Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode
- Spatial Audio
- Yes (added by software update)
Chip
- Chip
- Apple H1
Battery
- Listening time
- Up to 4.5 hours (ANC on), 5 hours (ANC off)
- Total with case
- Over 24 hours
Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Charging
- Lightning, Qi wireless
Design
- Water resistance
- IPX4 (earbuds and case)
- Weight
- 5.4 g per earbud; case 45.6 g
- Ear tips
- Silicone, three sizes
Features
- Controls
- Force sensor on stem; Hey Siri
- Sensors
- Dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone, force sensor, optical sensors
Software
- Launch OS
- iOS 13.2
How it compares
More in the AirPods Pro family
AirPods Pro (2nd generation, Lightning)
An H2 chip doubles the noise cancellation of the original.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation, USB-C)
The same H2 earbuds in a USB-C case with better dust protection.
AirPods Pro 3
A heart rate sensor and sharper noise cancelling in a new fit.