Image: Apple · source
AirPods Pro (2nd generation, USB-C)
The same H2 earbuds in a USB-C case with better dust protection.
Overview
A year after the original second-generation model, Apple updated only the case connector and a few details. USB-C replaced Lightning to match the iPhone 15, so one cable could charge the phone, the case and a Mac.
The earbuds and case now earn IP54 for protection against dust, in addition to sweat and splashes. The H2 earbuds can receive a lossless audio signal with an ultra-low latency connection from Apple Vision Pro, which no other Apple wireless product could do at launch.
Software features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Personalised Volume arrived in the same period and apply to both versions. In 2024 the hearing health suite added hearing test, hearing aid and hearing protection features to this model through iOS 18.1.
Why it mattered
Standardised USB-C across AirPods and added dust resistance and lossless Vision Pro audio.
At a glance
- Announced
- September 12, 2023
- Released
- September 22, 2023
- Launch price
- $249
- Status
- Available
Highlights
- USB-C charging case
- IP54 dust, sweat and splash resistance
- Lossless audio with Vision Pro
- Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness
- Hearing aid feature via iOS 18.1
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Audio
- Driver
- Custom high-excursion Apple driver with custom amplifier
- Noise control
- Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, Adaptive Audio
- Spatial Audio
- Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Chip
- Chip
- Apple H2 (earbuds), U2 (case)
Battery
- Listening time
- Up to 6 hours (ANC on)
- Total with case
- Up to 30 hours
Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Charging
- USB-C, MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, Qi wireless
Design
- Water resistance
- IP54 (earbuds and case)
- Weight
- 5.3 g per earbud; case 50.8 g
- Ear tips
- Silicone, four sizes (XS, S, M, L)
Features
- Controls
- Touch control on stem (swipe for volume), press for playback; Hey Siri
- Sensors
- Skin-detect sensor, motion and speech accelerometers, touch control
Software
- Launch OS
- iOS 17
How it compares
More in the AirPods Pro family
AirPods Pro (1st generation)
Silicone tips, active noise cancellation and a squeeze-based control.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation, Lightning)
An H2 chip doubles the noise cancellation of the original.
AirPods Pro 3
A heart rate sensor and sharper noise cancelling in a new fit.