Apple on Monday announced that its new AirPods Pro earbuds would be available on October 30th, would feature a new shape and silicone ear tips to support active noise cancellation technology, and retail for $249.
Apple says that the AirPods Pro have been engineered for “comfort and fit” and each earbud ships with three different sizes of silicone ear tips that conform to the contours of the individual ear, offering up a comfortable fit and a “superior seal.”
Upon inserting the AirPods Pro in each ear, Apple’s software will leverage the built-in microphones to measure the sound level in the ear and compare it to what’s coming from the speaker driver. The company says this task is achieved within seconds, and that its algorithm will be able to tell whether the ear tip is the right size and has a good fit or should be adjusted for a better seal.
An “innovative vent system” within the AirPods Pro earbuds is also designed to equalize pressure to minimize discomfort within the ear itself. Apple has also stated that the AirPods Pro are both sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating. This implies that the units will hold up to some light splashing and sweating, but submersion should be avoided.
The AirPods feature an Active Noise Cancellation feature that uses two microphones (one facing outward to detect environmental noise while the other faces inward towards the ear). Apple has also stated that a series of software functions can customize sound signal 200 times per second.
A Transparency mode offers users the option to listen to music while still hearing the environment around them. Transparency mode takes advantage of the vent system in the AirPods to leave just the right amount of noise cancellation
A new force sensor system allows users to play, pause, or skip tracks as well as answer and hang up on phone calls. The mode can also be controlled through the Control Center on iPhone and iPad, or by tapping the AirPlay icon on Apple Watch while music is playing.
The AirPods Pro feature Apple’s new H1 chip, which incorporates 10 audio cores to power real-time noise cancellation as well as “Hey Siri” commands. The battery life is expected to be about the same as the AirPods 2, which last for up to five hours in standard mode. When Noise Cancellation is active, AirPods Pro offer up to four and a half hours of listening time and three and a half hours of talk time.
The H1 chip also supports hands-free “Hey Siri” commands and it allows for Audio Sharing so two people who have AirPods Pro can watch the same movie or listen to the same song with an iPhone or iPad.
The AirPods Pro include the Wireless Charging Case (which supports Qi-based wireless charging), and can deliver more than 24 hours of listening time and over 18 hours of talk time. A USB-C to Lightning cable is also included in the box for charging purposes.
Customers can snag the AirPods Pro via the Apple web store, and the Apple Store app. Units will begin arriving to Apple retail locations on Wednesday, October 30th.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors