Apple recently announced the updated AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with USB-C charging case in its Sep 2023 event. Although the event did not discuss much about the updated version and all the new features that it comes with; there is a lot to talk about the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with USB-C. Here is everything you need to know about AirPods Pro Gen 2 with USB-C.
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AirPods Pro With USB-C – What has Changed
When we talk about the updated AirPods Pro with USB-C, everything looks and feels the same regarding hardware. However, as for software, there are some changes and additional features that have been added. Here are all the changes and features you need to know about in the new AirPods Pro Gen 2.
1. USB-C
Let’s talk about the obvious first. AirPods Pro Gen 2 now comes with a USB-C charging case. You can now charge your AirPods using a simple USB-C charger without having to rely on a special Apple charger.
You get a cable in the box when you purchase the AirPods. Now, you can use an adapter to charge this or connect it to your new iPhone 15 series. Yes, the iPhone 15 comes with reverse charging, allowing you to charge your Apple Watch and even AirPods directly through it. Brilliant right? Note that reverse charging requires a cable and iPhone 15 still doesn’t support reverse wireless charging like its Android counterpart.
2. Adaptive Audio
That was all about the USB-C charging. Now, the features and changes that were made but neither Apple nor others are talking come into play. These new Audio features come with iOS 17 on all AirPods Pro versions including existing ones with lighting ports.
The first one we will be talking about is Adaptive Audio. As the name itself speaks, this feature, when enabled, will let you hear everything around you but also dim down the disturbances and noises. This is like a direct blend between Transparency Mode and Active Noise Cancellation.
3. Conversation Awareness
Another feature that you will get with iOS 17 is Conversation Awareness. This feature may have been on other audio products for years, but Apple brings that extra edge.
Let’s say you are listening to music or podcasts and suddenly want to talk or reply to someone around you. The background music in your AirPods Pro will smoothly transition away allowing you to listen to that person in front of you.Â
This only triggers when you start a conversation or reply to someone, not when someone else initiates it. Once you are done, the music or the audio will transition back to the volume where it was slowly.
4. Personalized Volume
Apple uses Machine Learning to understand your patterns and preferences while listening to music or audio. The AirPods are learning the ideal volume level for you on multiple instances. Such as while listening to music, the volume can be higher as compared to when listening to Podcasts.Â
This automatically happens in the background while using your AirPods to improve your experience in the long run.
5. Dust Resistance
Earlier, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with Lightning Cable featured Sweat Resistance and Water Resistance. But now, with the new AirPods Pro with USB-C, you get Dust Resistance with an IP54 rating. You can take them on your adventures and enjoy every bit of it.
Lossless Audio With Apple Vision Pro
Apart from all the above features, the new Apple AirPods Pro now enables Lossless Audio with Apple Vision Pro.
Although the new AirPods look the same as the old version externally and internally, a lot is happening with its architecture. The Apple Vision Pro features the H2 chip, which is also inside the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen.
This is combined with a brand new wireless Audio Protocol that Apple designed specifically for this new feature, resulting in a 20-bit, 48 kHz Lossless Audio with a massive reduction in audio latency.
Should You Upgrade
AirPods Pro Gen 2 with USB-C is now available for pre-orders, and you can get it for $249. Also, the old versions are being taken off the shelf.
The real question is whether or not you should upgrade to this new AirPods Pro 2. Allow us to explain.
If you are already using the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with a lightning cable, you may not want to upgrade, considering you are already geting the iOS 17 Audio features on your device.
However, if you are keen on buying the Apple Vision Pro in the future and want to enjoy the Lossless Audio feature, then you should upgrade. Other than this, if you are using any other Apple AirPods or a non-pro model, then you can switch to the new AirPods Pro USB-C model, considering there are no budget constraints.
Lastly, if you have never bought an AirPods and are looking to get your first one, this is your best option.
