Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen.)
ANC, 5 h, Wireless
Apple introduces AirPod Pro with noise cancelling
28.10.2019
Translation: machine translated
Apple has unveiled the new AirPods on its website. The first real update since the wireless headphones were launched in 2016. The most important features: it's not an EarBud, but an in-ear model. And there is noise cancelling.
Apple has published the specifications of its new AirPods on its website. They are called AirPod Pro. Unlike the previous AirPods, these are finally genuine in-ears. Unlike earbuds, in-ears reach further into the ear canal and provide better sound. Three different sizes of ear tips are included so that the earbuds fit equally well in large and small ears. At 30.9 mm, the new ones are one centimetre shorter than the previous AirPods (40.9 mm).
The second major innovation is noise cancellation. A number of competitors have taken the lead here, such as the WF-1000XM3 from Sony. It remains to be seen how good the AirPods Pro are - but Sony has already set the bar very high. According to Apple, the new AirPods Pro constantly adjust their noise cancellation depending on how low they sit in the ear. An adaptive equaliser is supposed to adapt to the shape of the ear and deliver individual results.
The noise cancellation works in two stages, as known from other manufacturers: one mode filters out as much as possible, while the "Transparency Mode" lets speech frequencies through to a certain extent. This is practical if you don't want to miss announcements in train stations and airports or don't want to be completely isolated in the office.
The AirPod Pro are splash-proof in accordance with IPX4. So you can't take them into the bath, but at least they can withstand use in the rain. Apple promises a battery life of 4.5 hours. That's a little longer than the previous Apple earphones. Five minutes of quick charging gives you an hour of music. The supplied case provides power for 24 hours of music enjoyment. The case can be charged wirelessly with Qi-compatible charging stations, or alternatively with a Lightning cable.
The AirPod Pro features Bluetooth 5.0 and, according to Apple, you need a device with iOS 13 to use the new audio sharing feature and listen to music in pairs. The headphone-only function is compatible with all Bluetooth devices.
The new AirPod Pro costs 249 dollars in the USA. In Switzerland and Germany, Apple is charging 279 francs and 279 euros respectively. In terms of price, the Apple earbuds are therefore in similar regions to other ANC wireless earbuds. As soon as they are available, we will take a closer look at them. They should be available from 30 October.
Aurel Stevens
Chief Editor
aurel.stevens@digitecgalaxus.chI'm the master tamer at the flea circus that is the editorial team, a nine-to-five writer and 24/7 dad. Technology, computers and hi-fi make me tick. On top of that, I’m a rain-or-shine cyclist and generally in a good mood.