By Julius Oyekunle
Apple recently announced the second-generation AirPods and its got people talking. The new AirPods are fitted with the H1 chip, which is meant to offer performance efficiencies, faster connect times between the pods and your devices, and the ability to ask for Siri hands-free with the “Hey Siri” command.
Because of its performance efficiency, the H1 chip also allows for the AirPods to offer 50 percent more talk time using the headphones. Switching between devices is 2x faster than the previous generation AirPods, according to Apple.
The world’s best wireless headphones just got even better with the new AirPods. They are powered by the new Apple-designed H1 chip which brings an extra hour of talk time, faster connections, hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ and the convenience of a new wireless battery case.
The second-gen AirPods are available with the standard wired charging case ($159), or a new Wireless Charging Case ($199). A standalone wireless charging case is also available for purchase to $79. We’ve reached out to Apple to ask if the wireless case is backwards compatible with first-gen AirPods and will update the post once we know more.
The wireless charging case works “with all generations of
AirPods,” according to the Apple website listing.
It appears that older models are still for sale, as well.
Two times faster switching and 50 percent more talk time might sound like small perks for a relatively expensive accessory, but I’ve found that one of my biggest pain points with the AirPods are the lack of voice control and the time it takes to switch devices.
The introduction of “Hey Siri” alongside the new H1 chip, as
well as much faster switching between devices, should noticeably elevate the
user experience with these new AirPods.
After a search through the Apple website, it appears that old AirPods are no
longer available for sale.
