AirPods 2 vs AirPods: What’s changed in Apple’s new wireless earbuds

The new AirPods or “AirPods 2” come with a more powerful chip, updated wireless features and a wireless charging case

Apple’s new AirPods come with a wireless charging case. (Apple)

Earlier this week, Apple launched its second-generation wireless earbuds. The new AirPods is currently available in the US only.

The new AirPods or "AirPods 2" come with a more powerful chip, updated wireless features and a wireless charging case. After a long wait and numerous leaks, Apple finally launched its updated wireless earbuds. In comparison to the first AirPods, there aren't many differences.

Here's a look at what changed between AirPods and AirPods 2.

Design

There aren't any visible design changes between the two AirPods. Sporting the same design and look, the new AirPods also come only in white colour. The charging case other than getting wireless capability also has a small change with the charging light now sitting up front.

New chip

AirPods 2 is powered by the new H1 chip which Apple says is up to two times faster when switching between active devices. With the H1 chip, AirPods 2 is also said to offer 30% lower gaming latency. Apple uses W1 chip on the first generation AirPods.

Wireless charging case

Possibly the biggest change with the new AirPods is the wireless charging case. Apple launched AirPods 2 with a wireless charging case which also houses a Lightning port for charging. The wireless AirPods case can be charged on any Qi compatible charging mat.

Siri

iOS users will now be able to activate Siri using voice. Users can simply say "Hey Siri" to activate the voice assistant. The older AirPods required tapping on it to launch Siri.

Battery life

In terms of battery life, the new AirPods improve only on talktime offering 3 hours now as opposed to the previous 2 hours. Music playback and charging case are the same offering 5 hours and 24 hours respectively.

The new AirPods will be available in India later this spring. AirPods with the normal charging case will be available at ₹14,900 in India. AirPods with the wireless charging case will cost ₹18,900. Separately, the wireless charging case will be available at ₹7,500.