The Apple AirPods Pro 2 were released in late 2020, boasting a range of upgrades compared to the first-generation AirPods, including improvements to audio quality, noise cancellation, transparency mode, and battery life. The H2 chip used in the buds enabled smarter noise cancellation, 3D sound, and a longer battery life. Although not an audiophile experience, it provides one of the most consistently pleasing audio experiences you can get from everyday wireless earphones.
The AirPods Pro 2 offers up to two times more active noise cancellation than the previous-generation and features Adaptive Transparency that allows users to comfortably hear the world around them while minimizing the intensity of loud noises like sirens or construction in real-time. Other features include personalized spatial audio which works with dynamic head tracking, touch control to adjust volume, a MagSafe charging case with built-in speaker and lanyard loop, in-ear detection, and automatic switching between devices to make everything you use in the Apple ecosystem seamless.
However, there are several features of AirPods that many users are unaware of:
1. Announce notifications with Siri on AirPods
When wearing AirPods Pro, Siri can announce incoming notifications from apps such as Messages and Reminders, as well as supported third-party apps. Users can reply instantly and hands-free by turning on the feature in Settings > Notifications > Announce Notifications.
2. Get quick access to AirPods settings in Control Centre on iOS
Another way to change settings like Volume, Noise Control, or Spatialise Stereo quickly is to turn up or down the volume using Siri. Alternatively, users can drag the volume slider in the app they’re listening in, the Lock Screen, or in the Control Center.
3. Checking the battery percentage
Users can check the battery percentage of their AirPods with their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and the charge status of their AirPods using the Batteries widget on their iOS device.
4. Using AirPods with Apple Watch
When set up with an iPhone, AirPods are simultaneously connected to both the user’s Apple Watch and iPhone and can play sound automatically from either device. This feature allows users to leave their iPhone at home or in a gym locker and use their AirPods with Apple Watch for activities such as running, walking, or exercising.
5. Fast charging boost
If the AirPods Pro (second generation) are charged for five minutes in their case, the user will get around one hour of listening or talk time.
6. Use Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with one earbud
Users can use ANC with one AirPod only by going in Settings > Accessibility > AirPods and turn on Noise Cancellation with one AirPod. They can then press and hold the touch sensor to switch between Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, and Off.
7. Change the press-and-hold action on AirPods Pro
By default, pressing and holding the stem of either AirPod Pro moves between Noise Cancellation and Transparency. However, users can change that for one or both of them by going to Settings > AirPods and tapping the More Info button next to their AirPods in the list of devices. Under Press and Hold AirPods, users can select Left or Right and then Noise Control.
8. Audio Share with other AirPods users
With the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, users and their friend can both listen with AirPods or Beats wireless headphones to audio from their iPhone or iPad. To start sharing, users connect their AirPods Pro to their iOS or iPadOS device, tap the AirPlay button in Control Center on their iPhone or iPad, tap Share Audio, and follow the prompts.
In conclusion, while the AirPods Pro 2 has significantly improved upon the first-generation AirPods, there are many features that users may not be aware of. From announcing notifications with Siri to using ANC with one earbud, these features add immense value to the AirPods experience.
