Apple’s AirPods Pro 1st Generation changed the game for true wireless earbuds. Released in 2019, these sleek in-ear headphones brought active noise cancellation to Apple’s popular AirPods line. The AirPods Pro 1st Gen offer excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, and seamless integration with Apple devices.
You’ll enjoy features like adaptive EQ, transparency mode, and hands-free “Hey Siri” access. The wireless charging case provides over 24 hours of total listening time. While no longer Apple’s flagship model, the original AirPods Pro remain a solid choice for iPhone users wanting premium earbuds.
Let’s compare key specs of the AirPods Pro 1st Gen to other Apple earbuds:
| Feature | AirPods Pro 1st Gen | AirPods 3 | AirPods Pro 2nd Gen |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC | Yes | No | Yes (Improved) |
| Battery Life | 4.5 hrs (ANC on) | 6 hrs | 6 hrs (ANC on) |
| Chip | H1 | H1 | H2 |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Specifications
The first generation AirPods Pro were announced on October 28, 2019, and released on October 30, 2019. Here are their specifications and features:
General:
- Release Date: October 30, 2019
- Color: White
- Form Factor: In-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Chip: H1 headphone chip
Dimensions and Weight (Each AirPod):
- Height: 1.22 inches (30.9 mm)
- Width: 0.86 inch (21.8 mm)
- Depth: 0.94 inch (24.0 mm)
- Weight: 0.19 ounce (5.4 grams)
Wireless Charging Case:
- Height: 1.78 inches (45.2 mm)
- Width: 2.39 inches (60.6 mm)
- Depth: 0.85 inch (21.7 mm)
- Weight: 1.61 ounces (45.6 grams)
- Charging: Lightning connector, Qi-certified wireless charging
Audio Technology:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Transparency mode
- Adaptive EQ
- Vent system for pressure equalization
- Custom high-excursion Apple driver
- Custom high dynamic range amplifier
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking (available on compatible Apple devices and content)
Sensors:
- Dual beamforming microphones
- Inward-facing microphone
- Dual optical sensors
- Motion-detecting accelerometer
- Speech-detecting accelerometer
- Force sensor
Controls:
- Press once: Play, pause, or answer a phone call
- Press twice: Skip forward
- Press three times: Skip back
- Press and hold: Switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode
- “Hey Siri”: Voice-activated Siri
Sweat and Water Resistance:
- Sweat and water resistant (IPX4 rating)
Battery:
- AirPods Pro: Up to 4.5 hours of listening time with a single charge (up to 5 hours with ANC and Transparency off)
- AirPods Pro: Up to 3.5 hours of talk time with a single charge
- AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case: More than 24 hours of listening time
- AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case: More than 18 hours of talk time
- Charging Case: 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time or around 1 hour of talk time
In the Box:
- AirPods Pro
- Wireless Charging Case
- Silicone ear tips (three sizes)
- Lightning to USB-C Cable
- Documentation
Features:
- Adaptive EQ: Automatically tunes music to the shape of your ear for a rich, consistent listening experience.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Blocks outside noise, allowing you to focus on your audio.
- Transparency Mode: Lets outside sound in, so you can hear and interact with the world around you.
- Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: Provides a theater-like sound experience that places sound all around you as you move your head (available on compatible Apple devices and content).
- Force Sensor: Allows easy control of music, calls, and switching between ANC and Transparency modes.
- Sweat and Water Resistant: Ideal for workouts and outdoor activities.
- “Hey Siri”: Enables hands-free control using your voice.
- Automatic Switching: Seamlessly switch between Apple devices.
- Audio Sharing: Easily share audio between two sets of AirPods on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV.
- Live Listen: Use your iPhone or iPad as a microphone to send sound to your AirPods Pro.
- Headphone Levels and Accommodations: Customize audio settings for your specific hearing needs.
- Conversation Boost: Makes it easier to hear people speaking in a quiet environment by focusing on their voice.
The first generation AirPods Pro were discontinued on September 7, 2022, with the release of the second generation.
Design and Comfort
The AirPods Pro 1st generation offer a sleek design and comfortable fit. They feature customizable ear tips and a water-resistant build to enhance your listening experience.
Ergonomics and Ear Tips
The AirPods Pro 1st generation use an in-ear design with silicone ear tips for a secure fit. You can choose from three sizes of tips to find your best match. This customizable fit helps block outside noise and improves sound quality.
Apple includes an Ear Tip Fit Test in the settings. This test checks if you’ve selected the right tip size for optimal sound. The angled stem design reduces bulk and improves comfort during long wear.
The lightweight build of these earbuds makes them barely noticeable in your ears. You can wear them for hours without discomfort. This makes them ideal for workouts or long listening sessions.
Build Quality and Water Resistance
The AirPods Pro 1st generation boast a premium build quality. They feature a smooth, matte finish that resists fingerprints. The charging case has a similar finish and feels solid in your hand.
These earbuds are IPX4 rated for water resistance. This means they can handle sweat and light rain without damage. You can confidently use them during workouts or in light rain.
The stems house touch-sensitive controls. These allow you to play/pause music, skip tracks, and toggle noise cancellation. The controls are responsive and easy to use.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ear Tips | 3 sizes of silicone tips |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 rated |
| Controls | Touch-sensitive on stems |
| Fit Test | Available in settings |
Audio Technology
The AirPods Pro 1st generation boasts advanced audio features that enhance the listening experience. These earbuds employ cutting-edge technology to deliver high-quality sound and effective noise management.
Advanced Acoustic Features
The AirPods Pro 1st generation uses a custom high-excursion Apple driver to produce clear, rich audio. This driver allows for better bass response and improved overall sound quality.
Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ear shape. It uses an inward-facing microphone to analyze sound and adjust low and mid-range frequencies. This creates a more personalized listening experience.
The H1 chip powers several audio enhancements:
- Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking
- Spatialize Stereo
- Seamless device switching
These features create an immersive soundstage that adapts to your head movements.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a key feature of the AirPods Pro 1st generation. It uses outward-facing microphones to detect external sounds. The ANC then creates anti-noise to cancel out background noise.
Transparency Mode lets you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. It’s useful for quick conversations or staying aware of your environment.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ANC | Blocks external noise |
| Transparency Mode | Allows ambient sound |
| Conversation Boost | Enhances voices in noisy settings |
Dual beamforming microphones improve voice clarity during calls. They focus on your voice and reduce background noise for clearer communication.
Connectivity and Compatibility
AirPods Pro 1st generation offer seamless wireless connectivity and deep integration with Apple devices. They feature advanced technologies that enhance user experience across the Apple ecosystem.
Wireless Connectivity
AirPods Pro 1st generation use Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless communication. This technology provides a stable connection with improved range and power efficiency. The H1 chip powers these earbuds, enabling quick pairing and switching between Apple devices.
Key features of wireless connectivity include:
- One-tap setup with iPhone
- Automatic connection to your Apple ID-linked devices
- Audio Sharing with compatible Apple devices
The Find My app helps you locate your AirPods Pro if misplaced. It shows the last known location and can play a sound to help you find them nearby.
Apple Ecosystem Integration
AirPods Pro 1st generation work best within the Apple ecosystem. They offer enhanced functionality with various Apple devices:
| Device | Features |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Siri voice commands, battery status in widget |
| iPad | Seamless switching, spatial audio support |
| Mac | Easy pairing, audio input for video calls |
| Apple Watch | Music and podcast playback control |
Automatic switching allows your AirPods Pro to connect to the Apple device you’re actively using. This feature works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, providing a smooth audio experience as you move between devices.
Siri integration enables hands-free control. You can ask Siri to play music, make calls, or get directions without reaching for your phone. The earbuds also support “Announce Messages,” where Siri can read your incoming messages aloud.
Battery Life and Charging
The AirPods Pro 1st generation offer impressive battery life and convenient charging options. You can enjoy extended listening time and take advantage of various charging technologies to keep your earbuds powered up.
Charging Technologies and Case
The AirPods Pro 1st generation come with a Wireless Charging Case that enhances their versatility. You can charge the case using a Lightning cable or any Qi-compatible wireless charger.
The case itself provides multiple full charges for your AirPods Pro. This extends your total listening time to over 24 hours when combined with the AirPods’ battery life.
For quick power-ups, a 5-minute charge in the case gives you about 1 hour of listening time. This feature is handy when you’re in a rush.
The AirPods Pro and case support Optimized Battery Charging. This feature learns from your daily charging habits and waits to charge past 80% until just before you need to use them. It helps preserve long-term battery health.
| Charging Method | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Lightning Cable | Yes |
| Qi Wireless | Yes |
| MagSafe | No |
Remember to keep your AirPods and case clean for optimal charging performance. Regular maintenance can help maintain battery efficiency over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The AirPods Pro 1st generation offer active noise cancellation and transparency mode. They come with a wireless charging case and multiple ear tip sizes for a customizable fit.
How can I identify the differences between the 1st generation AirPods Pro and the 2nd generation?
The 1st generation AirPods Pro have a shorter stem and include ear tips. The 2nd generation case is slightly larger and has a lanyard loop. The 2nd gen also features improved noise cancellation and battery life.
What are the specifications of the AirPods Pro 1st generation?
The AirPods Pro 1st gen are 1.22 inches tall, 0.86 inches wide, and 0.94 inches deep. They offer up to 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation on. The case provides additional charges for over 24 hours of total listening time.
What is the release date of the 1st generation AirPods Pro?
Apple released the 1st generation AirPods Pro on October 30, 2019. They quickly became popular due to their noise cancellation features and improved fit compared to regular AirPods.
Is there a price difference between the 1st and 2nd generation AirPods Pro?
At launch, both generations were priced similarly. However, with the release of the 2nd gen, the 1st gen AirPods Pro often sell at discounted prices through various retailers.
Do the AirPods Pro 1st generation have active noise cancelling features?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 1st generation include active noise cancellation. This feature uses microphones to detect external sounds and create anti-noise to cancel them out. They also offer a transparency mode to let in ambient sound when needed.
Have the AirPods Pro 1st gen been discontinued?
Apple has discontinued the 1st generation AirPods Pro since introducing the 2nd generation model. However, you can still find them through some retailers and in the refurbished market.
| Feature | AirPods Pro 1st Gen | AirPods Pro 2nd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Yes | Improved |
| Battery Life | 4.5 hours | 6 hours |
| Charging Case | Wireless | Wireless with Find My support |
| Ear Tips | Multiple sizes | Multiple sizes |
| Chip | H1 | H2 |
