The Apple AirPods 2nd Generation is wireless headphones that were designed, manufactured, and currently sold by Apple since 2019 as part of the Apple AirPods series. The second generation of AirPods has been introduced on March 20, 2019, and its price started at $159.
The second generation of AirPods features new user interactions; for example, removing an AirPod from one’s ear causes playback to pause, and double-tapping them activates Siri. Apple incorporated its own custom-designed chip, the H1 chip into AirPods, which helps optimize the battery use and Bluetooth connection.
The new AirPods are the same design as the first generation but have updated features. They include an Apple H1 processor that supports hands-free “Hey Siri“, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and 50% more talk time and faster device connection times. “Announce Messages with Siri” was added in iOS 13.2, which allows Siri to dictate and reply to text messages.
The 2nd generation AirPods can be purchased with the same charging case as the 1st generation for $159, or for an additional price of $39 bundled with the Wireless Charging Case, which can be used with Qi chargers. The Wireless Charging Case can be purchased separately and is compatible with 1st generation AirPods.
The Wireless Charging Case was initially announced in September 2017 alongside the AirPower charging mat but was delayed by AirPower’s protracted development and eventual cancellation.
Unfortunately on October 18, 2021, Apple discontinued AirPods with Wireless Charging case due to AirPods 3rd Generation inducement. That day also the price of AirPods with Lightning Charging Case has been lowered to $129 from $159.
Today AirPods 2nd Generation is 5 years old!
AirPods 2nd Generation Release Date and Original Price
| Introduced | March 20, 2019 |
| Discontinued | October 18, 2021 (AirPods with Wireless Charging Case) |
| Model Identifier | AirPods2,1 |
| Model Number | A1602 (Lightning Charging Case) A1938 (Wireless Charging Case) A2031 (left AirPod) A2032 (right AirPod) |
| EMC | Unknown |
| Order Number | MV7N2AM/A (Lightning Charging Case) MRXJ2AM/A (Wireless Charging Case) |
| Original Price | $159 (Lightning Charging Case) $199 (Wireless Charging Case) |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 1.34 oz. – 38 Grams (Case) 0.14 oz. – 4 Grams (1 AirPod) |
| Dimensions | 1.74” H x 0.84” W x 2.11″ D (Case) 4.41 cm H x 2.13 cm W x 5.35 cm D (Case) 0.65” H x 0.71” W x 1.58″ D (1 AirPod) 1.65 cm H x 1.8 cm W x 4.01 cm D (1 AirPod) |
Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Apple H1 |
Sensors
| Sensors | Dual Optical sensors Motion-detecting accelerometer Speech-detecting accelerometer (Each AirPod) |
Connections
| Connection | 1 – Lightning port (Case) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 (AirPods) |
| Audio In | 2 – Microphones |
Software
| Original OS | Unknown |
| System Requirements | iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models with iOS 12.2 or later Apple Watch models with watchOS 5.2 or later Mac models with macOS 10.14.4 or later Apple TV models with tvOS 12.2 or later |
Power
| Battery | 1.52 W rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Case) 0.09 W rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Each AirPod) |
| Battery Capacity | 398 mAh (Case) |
| Battery Life | AirPods with Charging Case: More than 24 hours of listening time, up to 11 hours of talk time AirPods (single charge): Up to 5 hours of listening time, Up to 2 hours of talk time |
References:
Apple Support – AirPods (2nd generation) with Wireless Charging Case: Technical Specifications
Apple Support – AirPods (2nd generation) with Charging Case: Technical Specifications
Apple Support – AirPods Wireless Charging Case: Technical Specifications
