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Decoding Your Pods: AirPods Pro 1st Gen vs. 2nd Gen – A Definitive Guide

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’re staring at your AirPods Pro and asking the age-old question: “Are these the 1st generation or the 2nd generation?” Here’s the straight dope. The easiest way to definitively tell is by looking at the charging case. If the case has a speaker grille on the bottom and a loop for a lanyard on the side, then you have the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation. If neither of those features are present, then you have the AirPods Pro 1st Generation. There are other subtle differences too, which we will dive into in detail in this comprehensive guide. Get ready to become an AirPods Pro identification expert!

Identifying Your AirPods Pro: A Detailed Breakdown

Distinguishing between the AirPods Pro 1st Generation and the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation isn’t always as simple as flipping them over. Apple, in its sleek and minimalist design philosophy, doesn’t exactly scream the generation number from the rooftops. Let’s break down the telltale signs, piece by piece.

The Case: Your First Clue

As mentioned earlier, the charging case is the most obvious indicator.

2nd Generation: The case boasts a built-in speaker at the bottom, primarily used for Find My alerts and charging chimes. Additionally, a metal loop on the right side (when looking at the front of the case) provides a convenient spot to attach a lanyard or wrist strap. This lanyard loop is not compatible with the AirPods Pro 1st Generation.
1st Generation: This case is clean and minimalist. No speaker grille, no lanyard loop. Just a smooth, glossy white finish. The simplicity is elegant, but it lacks the added functionality of its successor.

Serial Number Sleuthing

Every AirPods Pro set (both the earbuds and the case) has a unique serial number. This alphanumeric code is your golden ticket to identifying the generation.

Where to find it: The serial number is typically printed inside the lid of the charging case, on the original packaging, or within the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
How to use it: Once you’ve located the serial number, head over to Apple’s Check Coverage website (https://checkcoverage.apple.com/). Enter the serial number, and the site will tell you exactly which model you have, along with warranty information.

Examining the Earbuds Themselves

While the AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd generation earbuds share a similar overall design, there are a few subtle differences.

Chipset: The AirPods Pro 1st Generation is powered by the H1 chip, while the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation has the more advanced H2 chip. While you cannot see the physical chip, you can only identify the chipset through software information linked to your Apple ID.
Skin-Detect Sensor: The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation utilizes a skin-detect sensor for improved in-ear detection.
Ear Tip Sizes: The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation comes with a smaller ear tip (XS) in the box. This is in addition to the standard sizes (S, M, L). If you have an extra-small ear tip, it strongly suggests you have the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, but they could have been purchased separately and used on the 1st Generation.

Software and Features

The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation unlocks exclusive software features that are not available on the AirPods Pro 1st Generation.

Adaptive Transparency: This mode dynamically adjusts the intensity of loud environmental noises, making them more comfortable.
Personalized Spatial Audio: Uses the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to create a personalized spatial audio profile for a more immersive listening experience.
Volume Control on AirPods: The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation allows you to swipe up or down on the stem to adjust the volume. The 1st generation lacks this feature.

The Price Tag

When new, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation typically commands a higher price than the AirPods Pro 1st Generation. If you bought your AirPods Pro new, comparing the price you paid to the original MSRP of each generation can provide a clue. However, prices fluctuate and vary by retailer, so this isn’t a foolproof method.

FAQs: Decoding Your AirPods Pro

Let’s tackle some of the common questions that swirl around the AirPods Pro generations.

1. Can I use my AirPods Pro 1st Generation case with the 2nd Generation earbuds?

No, the AirPods Pro 1st Generation case is not compatible with the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation earbuds, and vice-versa. Each generation requires its specific case for charging and pairing.

2. Can I pair AirPods Pro 1st Generation earbuds with an AirPods Pro 2nd Generation case?

No. While the form factor may appear similar, the internal hardware and pairing protocols are designed specifically for each generation to work together.

3. How do I check the firmware version of my AirPods Pro?

Connect your AirPods Pro to your iPhone or iPad. Then, navigate to Settings > General > About > AirPods. The firmware version will be listed there. Note that even though the firmware version of the AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd Generation may have a similar numerical value, they will be different.

4. Do AirPods Pro 2nd Generation have better noise cancellation than the 1st Generation?

Yes, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation boasts significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) compared to the 1st generation, thanks to the H2 chip.

5. What is the battery life difference between AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd Generation?

The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation offers slightly better battery life. You can expect up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled on the 2nd Generation, compared to around 4.5 hours on the 1st generation.

6. Do both generations of AirPods Pro support Spatial Audio?

Yes, both the AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd generation support Spatial Audio. However, the 2nd Generation has Personalized Spatial Audio, which creates a more customized and immersive experience.

7. Are the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation louder than the 1st Generation?

While the maximum volume output might be similar, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation generally provide a richer and more detailed audio experience, thanks to the H2 chip and improved drivers.

8. Are the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation worth upgrading from the 1st Generation?

If you prioritize Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, improved audio quality, better battery life, and features like Personalized Spatial Audio and volume control on the AirPods, then the upgrade is definitely worth considering.

9. Are the AirPods Pro 1st Generation still worth buying?

If you can find them at a significantly discounted price and don’t need the latest and greatest features, the AirPods Pro 1st Generation are still a solid option for Active Noise Cancellation and overall audio quality. They are a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.

10. Can I use Find My to locate my AirPods Pro case (1st Generation)?

The AirPods Pro 1st Generation case does not have its own speaker and cannot be located separately using the Find My app. The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation case can emit a sound to help you find it.

11. What are the main improvements in the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation?

The key upgrades include the H2 chip, significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, better battery life, Personalized Spatial Audio, volume control on the AirPods, and a case with a built-in speaker and lanyard loop.

12. Do both generations of AirPods Pro support wireless charging?

Yes, both the AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd generation cases support wireless charging using a Qi-certified charger. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation also supports charging with an Apple Watch charger.

With this comprehensive guide, you should now be well-equipped to confidently identify your AirPods Pro generation. Happy listening!