Apple’s AirPods have become go-tos for most iPhone users and audio enthusiasts, but what exactly is the difference between the first and second generation of AirPods — namely, the AirPods 1 and AirPods 2?
AirPod Design
In terms of the design, both the AirPods 1 and 2 have exactly the same design, which has split consumer opinion since their release due to the lack of a bud or tip to fit in the ear like more traditional earphones (the AirPods Pro have these, by the way). With that said, many find them comfortable and the improved audio quality in the AirPods 2 helps with the ambient noise which does creep in.
AirPod Key features
As aforementioned, the AirPods 2, while looking similar, do have some notable upgrades. The battery life was improved over the first-gen model, thanks to a more energy-efficient chipset; and the H1 chips also have 30% less latency over Bluetooth, so you’ll get that extra bit of responsiveness if you’re watching movies or playing games.
On top of that, the AirPods 2 are also more friendly when it comes to using Apple’s Siri assistant, as the AirPods 2 feature the “Hey, Siri” voice-activation capability.
How to tell the difference
Due to the similar design, it’s hard to spot the difference between the AirPods 1 and 2. However, you can use the model number to distinguish them.
- AirPods 1: A1XXX, such as A1523 or A1722
- AirPods 2: A2XXX, such as A2032 or A2031
Each earbud has the model and serial number in tiny print underneath the earpiece.
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