Apple Introduces Touch Control & Upgraded Features To AirPods Pro 2
Apple’s keynote this year has brought about drastic changes to its iPhone and Apple Watch lineup. However, the AirPods have also received an upgrade in the form of touch controls finally being added to the buds.
For a long time, the only way to operate the earphones was by pressing them, and the only functions you could control were to pause your music and choose between Noise Canceling, Off, and Transparency. Users will now access more functionalities with the upgraded Touch Control without having to whip out their iPhones.
Now, users may adjust the volume of their audio by swiping up and down the earphone stem. The device’s button can also be pressed to receive calls and access playback capabilities. The earbuds’ built-in skin sensor, which can tell whether they’re in use, has also been improved to recognize wearers’ touches more accurately.
Future AirPods will have a new H2 processor that will promote immersive audio capabilities like noise cancelation and increase battery life. The chip provides deeper bass, better acoustics, and noise suppression that is twice as effective.
Apple is improving its Personalized Spatial Audio recognition technology. In order to better tailor sound output to each individual, it uses the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to assess the user’s head shape and ears.
The charging case has improved sweat and water resistance and a base speaker that emits louder tones when being located. A lanyard hole is also being added to the side of the case for users to strap it to their keychains and bags.
Along with all these fundamental enhancements, a nice touch is the ability to engrave Memojis and Animojis directly on your case, so that you’ll never mistake yours for your friends’ again.
The new iteration of the AirPods Pro is being released on September 9 online and will hit stores on September 23 at US$249. According to Apple, “Personalized Spatial Audio profiles and Find My will be available with iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura in October.”
