The second-generation AirPods Pro looks just like the original model but brings some incremental upgrades for the same price.

Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro looks the same as the original model, which debuted in October 2019. However, the new earbuds pack some hardware changes that make them better in every aspect than their predecessor.

So, if you were holding off on purchasing a new pair of wireless earbuds, check out all the major new features that the AirPods Pro 2 bring to the table.

Thanks to its latest H2 chip, a new low-distortion audio driver, and a custom amplifier, the second-gen AirPods Pro delivers notably better sound quality and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

Apple claims the new earbuds cancel up to twice the amount of noise compared to the outgoing model. The bass is also richer, with a wider sound stage that helps improve the overall clarity.

What's the point of great sound quality if the earbuds keep falling from your ears? It looks like the company has heard some of your complaints, as the new AirPods Pro comes with an additional set of XS-sized ear tips to help provide a better in-ear fit for people with small ear canals.

This will allow the earbuds to passively block more noise, indirectly boosting the ANC performance and sound quality. The better fit will also help if you use the AirPods Pro to help hear conversations better.

The second-generation AirPods Pro takes the existing Transparency mode to the next level with Adaptive Transparency. Thanks to the powerful new H2 chip, the earbuds can dynamically reduce the harsh environment noise.

So, you can still stay aware of your surroundings or continue a conversation without dealing with harsh construction or traffic noises.

The new charging case of the second-generation AirPods Pro is dust and water-resistant, just like the earbuds. There's a lanyard loop, too, for extra convenience. If you order the AirPods Pro 2 online through the Apple Store, you can even engrave your favorite Memoji on the charging case.

Another highlight of the new charging case is Find My integration and a built-in speaker. If you have an iPhone with a U1 chip, you can use the Precision Finding feature in the Find My app to get the exact location of the AirPods Pro. And the built-in speaker on the charging case will play a loud tone so that you can locate it quickly.

Despite the better sound quality and ANC, Apple claims the AirPods Pro 2 can last 1.5 hours longer than the outgoing model. With ANC enabled, the earbuds can provide up to six hours of music playback. The charging case can further extend this to up to 30 hours.

On top of that, charging the new AirPods Pro is a lot more convenient. You can top up the carrying case using your Apple Watch's Magnetic puck or a third-party Qi-certified charger. This will make charging your AirPods notably less of a headache when traveling. The case also continues to support MagSafe charging for added convenience.

Unlike the original AirPods Pro, you don't need to press the stem to adjust the music playback or volume. You get touch controls on the AirPods Pro 2. This allows you to adjust the volume with a light swipe up or down. And to accept phone calls or control music playback, you need to press the stem lightly.

Apple has also upgraded the skin detection sensor, so the earbuds will more accurately detect when to resume or stop music playback.

Don't let the design of the second-generation AirPods Pro fool you. While they are not as sleek as some other wireless earbuds on the market, Apple has thoroughly revamped the internals to deliver better sound quality, battery life, and user experience.

What's even better is that despite these improvements, the new AirPods Pro carries the same $249 price tag as its predecessor. So, if you're looking to buy a pair of wireless earbuds for your iPhone and have the budget for it, you can't go wrong with the AirPods Pro 2.

Rajesh Pandey started following the tech field right around the time Android devices were going mainstream. He closely follows the latest development in the world of smartphones and what the tech giants are up to. He loves to tinker around with the latest gadgets to see what they are capable of.

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