Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)

Second-generation versus first-generation Apple AirPods Pro

If you currently possess the first model, is upgrading to the Apple AirPods Pro worth it? After all, newer isn’t necessarily better.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) lays on a wooden surface next to the Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation), earbuds in open cases.

The Apple AirPods Pro have impressively remained the same for a few years, in contrast to how frequently Apple releases new iterations of the ordinary AirPods. Now that the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are available, they have new technology in the charging case and seem to have improved in every way, all for the same price. But for a time, the AirPods Pro (first generation) have been a dependable active noise canceling (ANC) mainstay. How much of an improvement between the two AirPods Pro are we actually looking at?

How do the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) differ from the Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) in terms of user experience?

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are as buttery smooth to use on an iPhone as the Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation). The earbuds themselves have a nearly identical appearance and feel while in use. Both still have the control arrangement, all-white color palette, and now-iconic stemmed design. They both still have the silicone ear tips that distinguish them from other AirPods versions and improve their fit in your ear. If you struggle with that, the stemmed design may still snag on masks and longer hair.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) lays on a wooden surface next to the Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation), earbuds out of case.
The earphones are quite difficult to distinguish. The earphones on the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Pro (1st generation) both have an IPX4 classification, which indicates they are resistant to perspiration and water splashes. You won’t have to worry about taking it out in the rain, either, because the second-generation model also extends that rating to include the case.

How are the Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) controlled?

A hand holds the right earbud of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) to show off the stem.
Lily Katz / SoundGuys

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation)’s pressure-sensitive stems now allow swipes to change the volume.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) controls improve on those found in the AirPods Pro (1st generation). Additionally, it has pressure-sensitive stems, but it now also enables swipes to change the playback level.

2nd generation AirPods Pro controls:

INPUT (stems) ACTION
One press
Play, pause, and dial
Two presses
track after
Three presses
track after
Press and hold
Switch between ANC and Adaptive Transparency modes.
Swipe up/down
Toggle ANC/Adaptive Transparency modes
“Hey Siri”
Receive messages, adjust the volume, ask for directions, manage the playback, and more.

Although the AirPods Pro (1st generation) still provide a respectable range of controls, there are no volume controls because there is no swiping.

First-generation AirPods Pro controls:

INPUT (stems) ACTION
One press
Play, pause, and dial
Two presses
Next track
Three presses
Previous track
Press and hold
Switch between ANC and Adaptive Transparency modes.
“Hey Siri”
Change volume, request directions, playback control, receive messages, and more

Naturally, Siri-based hands-free controls are supported by both generations of AirPods Pro; in fact, with the older model, it’s the only method to change the volume without taking your phone out of its pocket. Only the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) feature an on-board volume control option if you choose to use one of these with a non-Apple smartphone.

What app is compatible with both the first and second generations of Apple AirPods Pro?

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) case is open and contains the earbuds next to an iPhone 12 mini, which prompts the user to update to iOS 16.
Lily Katz / SoundGuys

you get the most out of your new AirPods Pro, be sure you upgrade your iPhone to iOS 16.

There is no additional software to download for either generation of AirPods Pro; simply opening the charging case near your phone will begin the process of connecting the earbuds (which is made possible by the H2 and H1 chips of the corresponding earbuds). With helpful additions like an ear tip fit test and the option to modify some of the on-ear settings, the two versions share the majority of their software functionality. Both have access to customized Spatial Audio and the Spatialize Stereo function, which can (to varied degrees) convert digital stereo mixes to surround sound.

The AirPods Pro (1st generation) doesn’t support the case, but they do support the Apple Find My app, which is designed to help you locate your lost Apple devices. Unlike the most recent version, which has an U1 chip, if you lose it, you’re just out of luck.

While any pair of AirPods Pro may be connected to an Android handset, no customization or software upgrades are available.

Contact us

We strongly advise you to get in touch with Apple’s committed customer support staff if you have any questions or need help with Apple AirPods Pro. On their official website, support https://techtalkuniverse.com/, you may get in touch with Apple and access a wealth of information, including FAQs and discussion boards, to help you with your issues. You can also get in touch with Apple Support directly by calling , which is their toll-free number. A person will be pleased to help you.

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