Apple's Latest AirPods Pro Get USB-C, but Adaptive Audio Steals the Show
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Nearly a year after releasing the excellent AirPods Pro 2nd Gen, Apple is ushering in an updated pair of these true wireless earbuds. It’s not a complete redesign; truthfully, that’s unnecessary.
AirPods Pro already offers one of the best listening experiences possible, coupled with strong noise cancellation. From looks, the upgrades made with AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with USB-C might seem modest: swapping the Lightning port for a USB-C, just like the iPhone 15 family, and upping the overall durability of the entire package. The real star is a new “Adaptive Audio” listening mode that mixes noise cancellation with transparency into one.
It’s not exclusive to AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with USB-C, though, and will be a free software update for AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with Lightning. Still, this new model is enticing if you use first-generation AirPods Pro or want a USB-C port.
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with USB-C are still priced at $249 and effectively replace the Lightning version that’s been available for a year. You can also currently score AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with Lightning for just $199: $50 off the regular price.
So, who’s the new USB-C model for, and how well does this new mode perform? I’ve spent nearly a week with Apple’s USB-C flavored AirPods Pro, putting them through the paces, so let’s dive into it.
Adaptive Audio steals the show
If I had to describe Apple’s Adaptive Audio mode in one word, it would be compelling. It allows you to wear AirPods Pro in more scenarios and removes some of the annoyances or fumbles that might occur when wearing them.
For instance, when I have Adaptive Audio turned on and Conversation Awareness, a smaller element of this software drop, I can walk down the street listening to music and still hear critical environmental sounds. As I walk past a construction zone, AirPods Pro will intelligently lower the sound of a jackhammer or heavy-duty truck but still let it be known. Similarly, if an emergency vehicle goes whizzing by, I’ll hear it, but it won’t be super loud. If I start to talk to someone, AirPods Pro will move into Adaptive Transparency on its own and raise the volume of voices for an easier conversation. It’s pretty seamless.
It’s a compelling, intelligent mode for using AirPods Pro anywhere you might be rocking them—from walking the street to an office while working from home or on a long-haul flight. Thanks to the processing power of the Apple-made H2 chip, which boasts over a billion transistors, it can analyze environmental audio in real time while using algorithms and AI to adjust the mix. Possibly knowing to block out the sound of an engine, but letting you hear announcements from a PA system while cruising at 36,000 feet.
Boiling it down, and based on my experience with testing, you can just set AirPods Pro in this Adaptive Audio mode and then go about your daily routine. You won’t need to switch between ANC and Transparency as frequently. One common example is walking around the street and chatting with someone. You sometimes fumble to switch the mode and might even take an AirPod out. Adaptive Audio solves for this by keeping you in the know and changing based on the environment and if it hears you speak.
Like noise cancellation or transparency, Adaptive Audio can be engaged with a long-press on the stem of AirPods Pro or via Control Center on your iPhone. You can easily switch between listening modes when connected to a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, or Apple TV.
The real kicker is that it doesn’t negatively impact battery life. As with active noise cancellation or transparency mode, I’ve averaged over six hours on a full charge with Adaptive Audio engaged. That is long enough for a long-haul domestic flight, and if they run empty, you can pop the AirPods Pro back into the case for a quick charge.
Same Great Build With a New Port
In the same vein that AirPods Pro second-generation kept the same design as the first-generation, it's no surprise that AirPods Pro second-generation with USB-C case follow that same route.
For controls, you can squeeze the stem of AirPods Pro to control playback, switch between listening modes, mute or unmute the microphones, and even hang up a call. Hands-free "Hey Siri" is supported out of the box, and the assistant can even read notifications from sports scores to your latest messages aloud.
Apple delivered extensive enhancements to AirPods Pro's carrying and charging case with the original second-generation. You can still charge AirPods Pro on an Apple Watch, MagSafe, or standard Qi-enabled wireless charger. Rather than plugging in via a Lightning port on the new model, you’ll plug in via USB-C. Apple even includes a braided USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, making this transition more seamless.
While the Lightning case and the AirPods Pro inside were resistant to both water and sweat, the USB-C variant adds dust resistance into the mix. You can bring these off-roading or to the beach more easily without fearing damage. Though, I wouldn’t intentionally duck the case of the buds in a sandbox or at the beach.
Aside from USB-C and durability improvements, this is still the same excellent AirPods Pro experience that was ushered in with a Lightning case. You read my full original review of AirPods Pro here to learn about the audio experience, the extensive listening modes, and the enhanced Find My experience.
Bottom Line
Besides including a USB-C port and the upped durability, Apple’s software enhancements make a great pair of earbuds even better. Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume represent a significant jump in what AirPods Pro 2nd Gen can do and how well they can perform in everyday life.
Frequent flyers, walkers, or if you just enjoy listening to music through earbuds, I’d suggest trying Adaptive Audio. It might just be your new go-to listening mode for wherever you might find yourself.
If you already have AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with Lightning, you don’t need to upgrade unless you want a USB-C port, as you’ll get all the other features via a software update. But if you’re rocking non-Pro AirPods or the first-generation, AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with USB-C is a solid investment that will last for years.
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.