Apple AirPods (2nd Generation), A Deep Dive into the Beloved Wireless Earbuds

Apple AirPods hold a large market share in the wireless earbuds category. They are ‘the ones’ people self-reference when talking about ‘Them’. In many ways, they have become the wallet-sized poster child of contemporary convenience and quality. The 2nd generation model was released in March of 2019, a few months after the release of the Apple Watch 4, and a full release year after Apple introduced AirPods. This review of the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) includes a detailed overview of the AirPods including design and key features, a comparison to the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, and a more detailed look at sound quality, fit and feel, and connectivity with Apple devices.

Exploring the Evolution: From the Original AirPods to the 2nd Generation

Apple AirPods (2016) were the first generation of Apple’s truly wireless headphones that make it easy to listen to music and to make calls. The Airpods connect to any apple device wirelessly and were not well-received by audiophiles because of the lack of noise cancellation and megaphone-like, watery-sounding quality. However, with the 2nd generation AirPods, Apple addressed these cons and added multiple features to take the lead in the true wireless earbuds industry.

Diving into the Features of the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

It's an instant bead of comfort that explains why so many people on the subway are wearing them. The fact that they’re lovely things to look at is an inspiring step. But the most important change is that they sound good. Here's why I'd buy them: They tick all the boxes. These are Apple's fully redesigned earbuds, an iterative leap forward, in the right direction. Why nobody invented the tech for them before, I do not know. Aesthetic details matter.

It's an instant bead of comfort that explains why so many people on the subway are wearing them. It also matters that these earbuds have a more pleasing aesthetic than the old version. If they were boxy, grey earmuffs with a sad hubcap lodged in the centre, would we think they sounded good, too? This is Apple's design and this is their brand, and much of their success has come from moving the culture – your culture – from beige to this. Apple earns every penny of the premium it charges. I don't think it matters here how but, on the face of things, the improvement is down to audio engineering.

Enhanced Audio Quality: A Significant Upgrade

One part of that, by a substantial margin, is the improved audio quality. Apple engineered custom audio drivers just for these AirPods. Compared with the 1st generation, listening is notably clearer. The highs are crisper and more defined, the mids are denser and more detailed, and the bass response offers a fuller, more complete sound than before. While the audio performance doesn’t offer quite the dynamic range of the AirPods Pro, the 2nd generation AirPods serve as a satisfying, enjoyable listening instrument for any musical genre or podcast. 2. Audio

Hands-Free Siri Access: Convenience at Your Fingertips

The 2nd generation Airpods allow hands-free access to Siri. The latter allows you to use simple commands such as 'Hey Siri' to play, pause and reshuffle music, increase or reduce its volume, make calls and perform other Siri controls without even reaching your phone. All those controls make it easier when you are on the move and help keep you connected with your devices. Hands-free Siri makes AirPods 2nd Generation more convenient to use, thus making it a favourable audio solution.

Wireless Charging Case: A Step Towards Charging Simplicity

If you’ve been following this story closely, you might notice those white dots indicating the presence of Qi wireless charging. The product page explicitly hypes this feature, and the specialty press even calls out the feature in the first sentence of its initial take: The new wireless charging case from Apple will be a great benefit for the AirPods 2nd generation users. Now, AirPods users can just put the charging case on a Qi-charger and that’s it.A Qi charging pad isn’t immediately useful, unless you already use them. The difference is just that using the AirPods 2nd generation wireless charging case removes the step of plugging in a cable.

H1 Chip: Seamless Connectivity and Reduced Latency

The Apple H1 chip at the core of the AirPods 2nd Generation explains many of the improvements. Specifically, it allows the AirPods to pair quickly (‘so fast, you’ll barely notice it happening’ according to their website) with other Apple devices, and to switch quickly between them. The H1 reduces audio latency to an imperceptible level for better gaming and viewing.

Extended Battery Life: Power Through Your Day

For avid listeners, Apple boasts that the AirPods 2nd Generation’s battery life allows for up to 5 hours listening time on a single charge. Packaged with the charging case, they will last up to 24 hours total listening time. Whether listening on the go or on a long car ride or flight, the enhanced battery life maintains constant connectivity without the need for charging.

A Closer Look at the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation

While the AirPods 2nd Gen is a strong contender for a solid wireless audio experience, the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen by far go a few steps further towards higher-fidelity audio, greater features and more solid performance. H2 chip, improved active noise cancellation, more customisable fit and more ear tips are just some of the additional goodies that give more users access to a better listening experience. Released in 2022, these earbuds are on another level when compared with the 2nd Gen AirPods, capturing everything you love about the Apple experience.

Pros and Cons of the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Apple devices
• Improved audio quality over the 1st generation
• Hands-free Siri access
• Comfortable fit
• Wireless charging case
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Lack of active noise cancellation
• Not as secure fit as the AirPods Pro
• Limited customization options

Who Should Buy the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)?

The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are a great choice for:

• Apple device users who want a simple and convenient wireless audio experience.
• Individuals seeking a comfortable and stylish pair of earbuds.
• Those on a budget who prioritize affordability without compromising on sound quality.
• People who don't need active noise cancellation or a highly secure fit.

Where to Buy the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

You can purchase the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) from the following retailers:

• Apple Store
• Amazon
• Best Buy
• Target
• Walmart

Conclusion

The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are the benchmark for a truly wireless audio experience, still offering a trusted way to hear great things on the fly. Unlike the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, you get none of the noise cancellation but then you don’t have to shell out for the privilege of a supremely comfortable fit, a wider and sonically better soundstage and the option of greater customisation. For this, they’re a bargain.

They possess a great fit, a sense of building sound quality, Sony-level bass presence, good comfort, working optics, good Apple neatness and they’re well priced. If you’re an Apple fan, then they’re a subscription to the good life. Or, if you want a budget pair of really useful wireless earbuds that don’t mess about, go for the closest thing to Apple. Here again, the best recommendation is your own. When it comes to each AirPods pairing with you, only you knows which Apple would best sit with you.