AirPods Pro 2 have been one of my most beloved Apple devices since launch. They have also introduced a key product pivot that Apple will have a hard time reversing. Here’s why.
All the ways AirPods Pro 2 have gotten better since launch
When I think back to AirPods Pro 2’s 2022 release, I remember with amusement how I originally planned to skip them.
I was very happy with my first-gen AirPods Pro, yet after I read up on all the improvements to version 2—especially the improved noise cancellation—I quickly gave in.
But ever since then, Apple has made AirPods Pro 2 significantly better. Thanks to the number of feature improvements added via firmware updates, they almost feel like what AirPods Pro 3 should be.
Since after AirPods Pro 2 launched, Apple has added the following new features and feature enhancements:
- Adaptive Audio: Merges the best of noise cancellation and transparency in one mode
- Conversation Awareness: Enables seamless real-world interactions without removing an AirPod
- Automatic Switching: Upgraded feature finally works seamlessly (for me)
- Voice Isolation: Improves phone calls in noisy environments
- Siri Interactions: Support for nonverbal head nods and shakes to respond to Siri
- Personalized Spatial Audio: Apple says this got better too in iOS 18
- Hearing Protection: Proactive new feature for preventing hearing loss
- Hearing Test: At-home convenient way to check your hearing
- Hearing Aid: Potentially transformative health feature.
All of these new and enhanced features are on top of the improvements Apple shipped with AirPods Pro 2 upon launch.
It’s an impressive list that makes one thing clear.
Users are going to expect years of big feature upgrades for all AirPods products moving forward.
AirPods Pro 2 set a new update standard users will start to expect
It wasn’t long ago that buying a pair of headphones or earbuds meant you got a fixed feature set.
Even with early AirPods products, which did have firmware updates, the core functionality didn’t really change.
But AirPods Pro 2 have set a new standard. They’ve made a pivot for AirPods products that Apple can’t turn back from.
When AirPods Pro 3 launch later this year, I’m going to expect the initial feature set to grow annually and in significant ways—just like I’ve seen happen with my AirPods Pro 2.
Anything less than powerful new features year after year will be a disappointment.
AirPods Pro 2’s significant upgrades are partly why last fall’s ‘new’ AirPods Max were such a letdown. The original AirPods Max didn’t benefit from regular feature additions like AirPods Pro 2. And by doing the bare minimum in adding USB-C support, the new AirPods Max are doomed to the same fate.
It’s as if Apple has created a problem for itself by making AirPods Pro 2 consistently better. Now, users are starting to expect the same from all AirPods products.
AirPods as full-fledged devices, not accessories
It’s not unusual for Apple’s other products to get new features via annual software updates. iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and Apple TV 4K all get new features regularly. It even occasionally happens for the HomePod.
But for years, headphones and even AirPods didn’t get the same treatment as these full-fledged products. They were simple accessories.
Those days are over. Now, AirPods Pro 2 have proven themselves a proper device deserving the same regular enhancements as Apple’s other products. It’s an exciting new direction, and one I hope Apple is prepared to continue.
AirPods Pro 2 are currently available on Amazon for $169, down from the normal $249 price.
Best AirPods Pro accessories
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