The Apple AirPods Pro 2 was finally announced in September 2022 and has some useful features, some of which you may still need to learn. OMT editor Sabine lists which feature you should try out. Some of these features also work on the first-generation AirPods Pro (and in some cases on the non-Pro models). Apple offers many useful features that improve the audio experience on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or another device.
Apple has gained a reputation for making incremental enhancements and leveraging those subtle improvements to maintain its high-profit margins. However, there are instances where the newer generation brings about significant changes compared to its predecessor, such as when the iPhone advanced from the 4th to the 5th generation or when the brand eliminated the headphone jack with the release of the iPhone X.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
With better sound, active noise canceling, and battery life than their predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver exceptionally good performance for their size.
1: Use Noise Canceling With One Earpiece
With the AirPods Pro (2), it is possible to set noise reduction when you only wear one earpiece. You will still hear more of the environment than if you wear both ears, but in some cases, it can be a godsend. It is how you set it up:
Open the Settings on your iPhone or iPad and navigate to Accessibility. Select AirPods and make sure Noise Canceling is turned on for one AirPod. You can find this setting under the Noise Control heading.
2: Live Microphone
You can use your iPhone as a live microphone and listen to the sound live through your AirPods. It sounds neat to stalk someone, but you must be within wireless range. The function is useful if you want to keep an eye on a pet or child or ensure you get everything from your TV program while in another room.
To enable the Live Listen feature, go to your iPhone’s Control Center and tap the ear icon labeled Speaker. Make sure your AirPods are connected to your device, and tap Listen Live. Then you hear everything that the microphone of your smartphone picks up.
3: Battery Widget AirPods Pro 2
An easy way to know how much juice is left in your AirPods anytime, anywhere is to add the wireless earbuds to your iPhone’s battery widget. Long-press anywhere between your apps on the home screen until the apps start to wiggle.
Then tap the plus sign in the top left corner and select the Batteries widget. Choose a widget size and place it anywhere on your home screen. Now you know the battery status of your AirPods anytime, anywhere.
4: Background Noises
Do you have trouble concentrating, or do you like to fall asleep with white noise? Your AirPods can help you with that. Go to the Control Center on your iPhone and select the Speaker (icon with ear). Turn on Background sounds. Select a sound of choice, such as Ocean, Rain, or Running water.
An audio fragment is then played in your earphones, so you can better focus on your tasks or sit back and relax. You can also turn off the background sounds with a tap on the button.
5: Conversation Boost
It is sometimes difficult to understand people when you wear your AirPods Pro (2), despite the handy transparency mode. Fortunately, Apple has come up with something for that. Go to your iPhone’s Settings and press Accessibility.
Then select Audio/Visual and tap Custom headphones. Scroll down and tap on Transparency mode. Ensure this feature is enabled and turn on the slider behind Call Amplification. That’s it!
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Price
It’s not unexpected that Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 ($249, £249, AU$399) outperform their predecessor, the original AirPods Pro. The second-generation version was in development for almost three years, which suggests that Apple would be able to create something compelling enough to warrant an upgrade from the first-generation AirPods Pro or to attract customers over other excellent premium earbuds from major headphone brands like Sony and Bose.