What Do AirPods Pro Look Like? A Deep Dive into Apple’s Premium Earbuds

The AirPods Pro represent a significant evolution in Apple’s earbud design philosophy, moving away from the “one-size-fits-all” approach of the original AirPods. Visually, they are characterized by a shorter stem, a more rounded in-ear design, and the inclusion of silicone ear tips. This combination provides a more secure and comfortable fit, contributing significantly to both noise isolation and audio quality. They are sleek, minimalist, and undeniably Apple.

A Closer Look at the Design Elements

The Case: Compact Powerhouse

The charging case for the AirPods Pro is arguably just as important as the earbuds themselves. It’s a small, rounded rectangle crafted from a smooth, glossy white plastic. Compared to the original AirPods case, the AirPods Pro case is wider and shorter, reflecting the slightly different form factor of the earbuds it houses. A small, metallic hinge opens to reveal the molded cavities for the earbuds, which are held in place magnetically. On the front, you’ll find a subtle LED indicator light that displays the charging status. The Lightning port for charging is located on the bottom, while the setup button is found on the back.

The Earbuds: Form Follows Function

The earbuds themselves are a masterclass in minimalist design. The most striking difference compared to the standard AirPods is the shorter stem. This shorter stem contributes to a less obtrusive appearance and improves stability in the ear. The silicone ear tips, available in multiple sizes (small, medium, and large – and now even extra-small), are a key feature. These tips create a seal in the ear canal, which is essential for both passive noise isolation and the effectiveness of the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

The earbuds are predominantly white, with subtle black mesh grilles strategically placed to house microphones. These microphones play a crucial role in ANC, transparency mode, and voice calls. A small indentation on the stem serves as a force sensor for controlling playback, answering calls, and switching between noise control modes. This sensor replaces the tap gestures of the original AirPods, offering a more reliable and intuitive control experience.

Materials and Finish: Premium Aesthetic

The AirPods Pro, like other Apple products, prioritize premium materials and a refined finish. The glossy white plastic used throughout feels smooth and durable. The silicone ear tips are soft and comfortable, even during extended listening sessions. The overall impression is one of quality and attention to detail. Apple’s commitment to aesthetics is evident in every curve and contour, resulting in a product that is both functional and visually appealing.

Design Iterations and Special Editions

While the core design of the AirPods Pro has remained consistent since their initial release, there have been some subtle variations and special editions worth noting.

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): Subtle Refinements

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) feature a design that is very similar to the original, but with subtle refinements. The H2 chip allows for improved processing, better battery life, and even more effective noise cancellation. In terms of visual changes, the charging case now includes a speaker at the bottom for Find My alerts and a loop on the side for attaching a lanyard. The earbuds themselves have an additional microphone vent for improved noise cancellation performance. The second generation comes with an extra-small eartip option for a wider range of ear sizes.

Limited Editions: Rare and Collectible

Occasionally, Apple releases limited edition versions of its products, often in collaboration with other brands. While rare, these limited-edition AirPods Pro variants typically feature unique color schemes, branding, or packaging. These versions become highly sought-after collectibles for Apple enthusiasts.

Functionality Reflected in Form

The design of the AirPods Pro is not merely aesthetic; it directly contributes to their functionality.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

The secure fit provided by the silicone ear tips is essential for the effectiveness of both Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode. ANC relies on creating a tight seal to block out external noise, while Transparency mode uses the microphones to amplify ambient sound, allowing you to hear your surroundings while still listening to audio. The placement and design of the microphones are crucial for capturing and processing sound accurately in both modes.

Comfort and Stability

The shorter stem and rounded in-ear design contribute to a more comfortable and secure fit. This is especially important for activities like running or working out, where the earbuds need to stay firmly in place. The availability of multiple ear tip sizes ensures that users can find the perfect fit for their individual ear shape.

Battery Life and Charging

The charging case not only protects the earbuds when not in use but also provides additional battery life. The case can be charged wirelessly using a Qi-compatible charging pad or via the Lightning port. The LED indicator light provides a quick visual indication of the charging status of both the case and the earbuds.

FAQs About AirPods Pro Design

Here are some frequently asked questions about the design and appearance of AirPods Pro:

1. Are the AirPods Pro available in different colors?

Currently, the AirPods Pro are primarily available in white. While there may be limited edition versions released occasionally, the standard color offering remains consistent.

2. What are the different sizes of ear tips that come with AirPods Pro?

AirPods Pro come with four sizes of silicone ear tips: extra-small, small, medium, and large. The medium size is pre-installed on the earbuds.

3. How do I know which ear tip size is right for me?

Apple provides an “Ear Tip Fit Test” in the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone. This test uses the microphones to analyze the seal created by the ear tips and recommend the best size for optimal audio quality and noise cancellation.

4. Can I use third-party ear tips with my AirPods Pro?

Yes, many third-party manufacturers offer replacement ear tips for AirPods Pro. These ear tips may be made from different materials, such as foam, and can potentially offer improved comfort or noise isolation.

5. Is the AirPods Pro charging case waterproof?

The AirPods Pro and their charging case are IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance. This means they can withstand splashes and light rain, but they are not fully waterproof and should not be submerged in water.

6. How do I clean my AirPods Pro and the charging case?

Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the AirPods Pro and their charging case. Avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaners. For stubborn dirt, you can slightly dampen the cloth with water. Clean the ear tips regularly to maintain hygiene and sound quality.

7. Are the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) physically different from the original AirPods Pro?

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have very subtle visual differences, including an extra microphone vent on the earbuds and a speaker and lanyard loop on the charging case.

8. Does the charging case support wireless charging?

Yes, both the original AirPods Pro and the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) charging cases support wireless charging using a Qi-compatible charging pad.

9. Where is the serial number located on the AirPods Pro?

The serial number is printed inside the lid of the charging case. You can also find the serial number in the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone when the AirPods Pro are connected.

10. Can I engrave my AirPods Pro charging case?

Yes, Apple offers free engraving on the AirPods Pro charging case when you purchase them from their website.

11. What is the small hole on the back of the AirPods Pro charging case for?

The small hole on the back of the charging case is the setup button. This button is used for pairing the AirPods Pro with a new device or resetting them to factory settings.

12. Are there any skins or covers available to customize the look of my AirPods Pro?

Yes, a wide variety of skins and covers are available from third-party manufacturers to customize the look of your AirPods Pro and protect the charging case from scratches and damage.