AirPods 2: 5 Things you need to know about new wireless earbuds

Apple’s new AirPods will launch in India later this Spring. Here’s everything you need to know about the new AirPods.

Apple AirPods are displayed during a media event in San Francisco. (REUTERS)

Apple has finally launched its really long awaited wireless earbuds, AirPods. The second-generation AirPods comes with a more powerful chip, updated wireless features and a new wireless charging case.

Apple AirPods is currently available in the US only at a starting price of $159. AirPods along with the wireless charging case is priced at $199. Interested users can purchase the wireless charging case separately for $79.

If you've been planning to buy the new AirPods, here are five things you need to know.

Wireless charging case

Confirming rumours and leaks, the new AirPods come with a wireless charging case. Users can now wirelessly charge the AirPods with its case on any Qi compatible charging mat. The new AirPods case also supports Lightning port for charging.

Siri gets an upgrade

Siri can now be activated using voice. Users simply need to say "Hey Siri" to activate the voice assistant. In the first AirPods, Siri can be activated by tapping on the AirPods.

No change in design

The new AirPods look quite similar to the first generation wireless earbuds. Even the charging case carries the same look as the previous one. Even Apple is calling it just "AirPods".

New improvements

A major change in the new AirPods would be the H1 chip which Apple says is up to two times faster when switching between active devices than the previous W1 chip. The new chip is also said to offer 30% lower gaming latency.

India price, availability

The new AirPods will be available in India later this Spring. Apple hasn't specified the sale date but the AirPods are already listed on its official India website. In India, AirPods with the normal charging case will be available at ₹14,900. AirPods with the wireless charging case will cost ₹18,900. Separately, the wireless charging case will be available at ₹7,500.