Apple AirPods Pro 2 & AirPods 4 Update: Studio Sound and On-the-Go Translations
What's inside the 2nd generation?
3,2 / 5,0 | 
Review: Apple AirPods Pro 2. Generation In-Ear Headphones · Source: Gearnews
AirPods Pro 2 inside the charging case. · Source: Gearnews
AirPods Pro 2 and the charging case · Source: Gearnews
[16 September 2025] With the latest firmware update, Apple has placed a greater emphasis on the AirPods Pro 2, expanding the range of functions offered by the in-ear headphones once again. In addition to general optimizations, version 8A356 introduces exciting new features that affect both sound quality and practical, everyday functionality. As usual, the update installs automatically when the headphones are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS Tahoe and the case is connected to a power source.
All About Apple AirPods Pro 2
The Most Important Information at a Glance
- Firmware version 8A356 improves the sound and voice transmission quality of the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4.
- New features, such as live translation (with offline capability), remote camera control, sleep detection, and enhanced battery notifications, expand the devices’ everyday use.
- The charging case now has MagSafe and a U1 chip for better location tracking. It also has a built-in speaker that emits beeps when locating.
- Design refinements include modified microphone holes, LiDAR scanning for improved 3D audio localization, and direct volume control on the stems.
AirPods Pro 2 & AirPods 4 Update: Better Sound and Comfort
Notably, Apple is explicitly pointing out the new features to users after installation this time, emphasizing the relevance of the improvements. In particular, the developers talk about “studio quality,” which should be noticeable in interviews, podcasts, and video recordings. Voice transmission during phone calls has also been optimized, making the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 more relevant for professional use.
Additionally, this update demonstrates the versatility of the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. For the first time, the in-ear headphones can be used as a remote control for the camera. This feature is especially helpful when creating content or taking spontaneous photos. In the settings, you can specify whether a short press on the stem triggers a recording or if this function is performed by pressing and holding. There is a minor conflict with the listening modes and Siri, but this option is an exciting addition, especially for users who value flexibility.
More Comfort, and Finally, Live Translation – or Not?
There are also innovations in comfort. For example, the AirPods now recognize when the wearer falls asleep and automatically stop playback. Notifications on the lock screen display the battery level more clearly and quickly, complementing this feature. These features integrate the AirPods Pro 2 more closely into everyday life.
Another major innovation is the addition of voice support. With live translation, the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and the new AirPods Pro 3 get a feature that enables communication in foreign languages directly in the ear. The system works offline, but the corresponding language packs must first be downloaded to the iPhone. Having conversations or content translated in real time without an internet connection is exciting.
However, those of us in the EU will have to do without this feature for the time being, as Apple has not yet activated it in certain regions due to local laws. Nevertheless, the update makes it clear where the journey is headed. The AirPods Pro 2 are evolving into multifunctional tools that go far beyond their classic use as wireless headphones.
Review: Apple AirPods Pro 2. Generation In-Ear Headphones for Musicians?
[03 October 2022] Besides a series of new Apple Watch models and the new iPhone 14, Apple showed “one more thing” at the “iPhone & iOS” keynote in September 2022: the new in-ear headphones Apple AirPods 2. Generation. While looking almost unchanged, the new models bring a new H2 chip, better sound quality, touch input, twice as good noise reduction, better battery life, and a personalized adaptation of the spatial audio experience are among the new features. How does it compare to its predecessor?
Apple Airpods Pro 2. Generation
Many leakers had been betting on a second generation of Apple’s in-ear headphones AirPods Pro for weeks, leading up to the event. And finally they were shown as “one more thing” at the annual keynote “Far Out” for new iPhone and other mobile products. The product presentation video was simply off the charts. Every Apple fanboy instantly knew: this is a must-have!
Bad news first: Due to inflation and higher prices for some of the used components, Apple increased the AirPods Pro’s price. I was curious to find out just who this update is for and how it compares to its predecessor, so I ordered a pair for a review.
Unboxed and In-Ear
The AirPods Pro were delivered right on time on September 23 (I had ordered them right after the keynote). They were enclosed in the typically stylish packaging. Inside are the two in-ear headphones with size M ear tips pre-applied. Besides that, there are three additional pairs of ear tips in sizes XS, S, and L, the new charging case (with an optional engraving?!), a USB-C-to-Lightning cable for charging, a quick start guide, and the usual safety notices. Additional guides can either be found online or directly on your smartphone during setup.
Just like the first generation of the AirPods Pro, the new pair connects to my iPhone as soon as I open the charging case next to my smartphone. There is even my personalized engraving on screen – superb! Subsequently, a couple of screens guide you through setting up the Bluetooth headphones. Also, some of the new features are shown here. In addition, a small release day update was installed in the background while I was setting up the headphones. Their slightly changed design is instantly recognizable for those who owned the first generation. The black sound holes have been slightly re-positioned for a better listening experience. Because now, an additional pair of microphones constantly measure how the in-ears sit in your ear.
What’s also new is that you now change the volume through soft vertical swipes along the headphones’ outside. The new and more powerful H2 chip brings a more intelligent Active Noise Cancelling. And that works incredibly well. The improved “Transparency” mode works much better in this generation – when someone talks to you, their voice b much clearer while still reducing outside noise. This is probably due to the much higher frequency of measuring outside levels: 48,000 times per second. If the AirPods Pro run out of battery, you simply slide them back into their charging case.
A multi-functional charging case
The white charging case that comes alongside looks slightly different. Its color, size and weight, however, remain the same. For instance, now the case has MagSafe functionality included (which was only a paid option before) so it can be charged magnetically (with a QI-certified charger) and even with the charging cable from the Apple Watch. In addition, there is now a U1 chip included so you can better locate the case via “Find My”. You can even have it play a sound through the integrated speaker. That makes it much easier to find the AirPods Pro (if you put them in the case, that is).
A warning signal also informs you about low battery. The case’s battery level can constantly be monitored on your iPhone, even if the headphones are not inside. Another new handy accessory is an optional Incase Lanyard that can be attached to the side of the case. But this wrist-band is not for many as most will keep it in their pockets. The case is now IPX4 waterproof. The headphone’s battery life is up to six hours with activated noise cancelling with an additional 30 hours with a fully charged case. Sounds good!
Sound and Handling, Comparison of the new AirPods Pro to the first generation
The AirPods Pro 2. Generation now fit into even smaller ear canals. Therefore, there is now a fourth, smaller set of ear tips included. What’s really cool is when you own an iDevice with a LiDAR scanner (iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, iPad Pro), because with that you can scan your head’s form. After that head-tracking and spatial audio both sound much more realistic. Also, pairing the new in-ears with my iPhone and my Macbook Pro is now much faster. And switching between a variety of Apple devices in my iCloud account just works flawlessly.
The first generation of the AirPods Pro was already one of the best pair of in-ears in terms of sound quality. For this new generation, the bass and lower mids sound even more defined and present in my opinion. The new pair even seem a tad louder at equal volume. Which means that every frequency is more present and the localization of the individual sounds and instruments inside my ears works much better. Spatial Audio sounds noticeably better and localizing sounds after the personalized head scan now works even better as well. Unfortunately, there simply aren’t many spectacular examples of Spatial Audio versions of songs in Apple Music’s catalog yet. But that is just my subjective observation.
When it comes testing to the improved noise canceling, I was able to test that at a small convention with an audience of about 150. The noise floor almost completely disappeared when I activated noise cancellation. If you then start playing some music, it feels like you’re somewhere else completely. Now you just need a pair of Apple’s upcoming VR headset and you’ll be off on your island for good. During transparency mode, both your surroundings and the music are still very present. The new H2 chip seems to be very capable of suppressing loud noises – in real-time, of course, and without any glitches.
It does take a bit to get used to the new touch input on the side of the AirPods Pro for volume control, especially when you’re going for a run. But the incoming update for iOS 16.1 will supposedly bring along the option to deactivate this new feature. In future updates, there will supposedly be additional features you can use with this new touch input.
Conclusion
The AirPods Pro 2. Generation are a pretty big step up in comparison to their predecessor. The new in-ears trump their previous generation in just about every aspect, even if it is marginal in some. The new features of the charging case complement the package in just the right way. Especially the new “Find my” option makes just that, finding, the often-misplaced tiny case much easier. And increased battery life is always a plus for long calls and all-day zoom meetings.
Owners of the previous generation don’t necessarily have to upgrade. It’s a pretty hefty price when you look at the main new new features. In the end, you want in-ears that sit well in your ears and sound good – mostly outside, with surrounding noises that decrease sound quality anyways. Nonetheless, Apple simply delivers with the Airpods Pro 2. Generation that are worth a look and a listen.
Prices and Specifications for Apple AirPods Pro 2. Generation
You can get the Apple AirPods Pro at Amazon (Affiliate) for 299,00 Dollars (including shipping). An additional two years of Apple Care+ protection will cost you another 39,00 Dollars. Included in the package is the charging case, a USB-C-to-Lightning cable for charnign the case and the in-ears, four switchable sizes of the ear tips (XS, S, M, L) and the two headphones.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Significantly improved noise cancellation and transparency mode greatly increase everyday comfort.
- The battery lasts longer with noise cancellation than with the previous generation.
- (New) Features, such as remote camera control and sleep mode, expand the range of possible uses.
- The U1 chip and signal tones in the case make locating the devices much easier.
Cons
- The price is high
- However, some changes seem rather marginal, especially if you already own the first version.
- The new volume control on the stems is impractical for exercising or wearing gloves.
- (New) Live translation does not currently work in the EU, which may be disappointing for some users.
- Some features, such as 3D audio, songs, and surround sound effects, still depend heavily on content availability.
Infos on Apple and its Hardware
- AirPods Pro at Apple
- More on Apple
Videos on the new Apple AirPods Pro 2. Generation
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