(Photo: Apple website)
Just as rumors were circulating that the AirPods Pro will be announced this week, Apple made it official in a surprise press release.
Apple on Monday announced a new pair of earphones called AirPods Pro which incorporates multiple new features and starts shipping on Wednesday.
At first glance, the biggest difference versus Apple's regular pair of AirPods is the new design language.
AirPods Pro feature a totally revamped look that focuses on an in-ear shape which provides a more comfortable fit and better sound isolation. Each earbud is created out of silicone and comes in three different sizes to make sure they fit your ears perfectly.
Apple says it uses an "innovative vent system" that helps regulate pressure and minimize the discomfort often associated with in-ear designs. This is coupled with both sweat and water resistance, making AirPods Pro a good companion for most workouts.
Helping justify the controversial 'Pro' branding is active noise cancellation, something Apple used on the Beats Powerbeats Pro earphones earlier this year. It removes a large amount of background noise and allows users to better focus on what they're listening to regardless of if it's a song, a podcast, or a phone call.
The feature is enabled by an outward-facing microphone that detects and analyzes external sounds, a second inward-facing microphone that listens toward the ear, and some smart software wizardry which cancels out any unnecessary sound. Apple says AirPods Pro adjusts the noise cancellation feature 200 times every second.
AirPods Pro will sync with Apple devices in exactly the same way as AirPods, and they will use the H1 chip found in the second-generation AirPods and some Beats headphones.
The H1 is a successor to the W1, a chip that allowed for some creative workarounds for the limitations of Bluetooth for easier syncing with devices. H1 moves from Bluetooth 4.2 to Bluetooth 5, and it enables "Hey Siri" hands-free voice commands.
The new headphones will include an additional feature called "Adaptive EQ," which will tune low and mid frequencies to match the shape of your ear.
Whereas AirPods were external earbuds, AirPods Pro will be in-ear headphones. They will come with interchangeable tips in three sizes: large, medium, and small.
Apple will include an audio-testing tool to help users determine which size is best for them. And the headphones will use a "vent system" to "equalize pressure" and "minimize discomfort," Apple's release claims.
AirPods Pro will be available only in white for $249 in the US and more than 25 other countries and regions. They will start shipping on October 30 and be available in stores beginning later this week.
Tim Cook hasn't publicly tweeted about the release of the all-new AirPods Pro today, although eagle-eyed readers of The Apple Post have pointed out that Cook has updated his profile picture on Twitter to show him wearing the new in-ear earbuds.
If you zoom in and look closely, you can see Cook wearing the new AirPods Pro.
