Airpods 1 vs. Airpods 2 — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 17, 2024
AirPods 1 are Apple's first generation of wireless earbuds, while AirPods 2 offer improved connectivity, battery life, and hands-free "Hey Siri" functionality.
Difference Between Airpods 1 and Airpods 2
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
AirPods 1, introduced by Apple in 2016, were the company's first foray into wireless earbud technology, offering convenience and integration with Apple devices. AirPods 2, released in 2019, built upon this foundation with enhanced features such as better battery life and performance.
One of the key differences in AirPods 2 is the inclusion of the H1 chip, which replaced the W1 chip in AirPods 1, leading to faster and more stable wireless connections. This upgrade also enabled the hands-free "Hey Siri" feature in AirPods 2, allowing for voice-activated assistance without needing to tap the earbuds.
In terms of battery life, AirPods 2 offer more talk time than the first generation, thanks to the improved efficiency of the H1 chip. While the listening time remained largely the same, the quicker connect times and reduced latency were noticeable improvements in the second generation.
Both AirPods 1 and AirPods 2 share a similar design and are available with a standard charging case. However, AirPods 2 also offered an optional wireless charging case, adding to their convenience.
The sound quality between the two generations remained largely similar, with both offering a balanced audio experience typical of Apple's earbud design.
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Comparison Chart
Release Year
2016
2019
Processor Chip
W1 chip
H1 chip
"Hey Siri" Support
No voice-activated Siri
Hands-free "Hey Siri" functionality
Battery Life
Less talk time
Increased talk time, same listening time
Charging Options
Standard charging case
Standard and optional wireless charging case
Compare with Definitions
Airpods 1
Integration with Apple devices
Using AirPods 1 with my Apple Watch is really convenient.
Airpods 2
Hands-free Siri access
I use 'Hey Siri' on my AirPods 2 all the time.
Airpods 1
First-generation wireless earbuds
I got my AirPods 1 when they first came out.
Airpods 2
Option for wireless charging
I got the wireless charging case with my AirPods 2.
Airpods 1
Apple W1 chip technology
The W1 chip in AirPods 1 makes pairing with my iPhone seamless.
Airpods 2
Second-generation wireless earbuds
The AirPods 2 have slightly better battery life than the first.
Airpods 1
Initial entry into wireless audio
AirPods 1 marked Apple's entry into true wireless earbuds.
Airpods 2
Enhanced talk time
I can talk longer on my AirPods 2 without recharging.
Airpods 1
Standard charging case
My AirPods 1 came with a standard charging case.
Airpods 2
Includes H1 chip
The H1 chip in AirPods 2 improves connectivity.
Common Curiosities
Can AirPods 1 respond to "Hey Siri" commands?
No, AirPods 1 do not support hands-free "Hey Siri" functionality.
When were AirPods 1 released?
AirPods 1 were released in December 2016.
How is the battery performance of AirPods 2 compared to AirPods 1?
AirPods 2 have a slightly longer talk time than AirPods 1.
What are the key features of AirPods 2?
Key features include the H1 chip, "Hey Siri" support, and optional wireless charging.
Can AirPods 1 connect quickly to Apple devices?
Yes, but AirPods 2 connect even faster thanks to the H1 chip.
Do both generations of AirPods offer wireless charging?
Wireless charging is only available with AirPods 2 when purchased with the wireless charging case.
Are there design differences between AirPods 1 and AirPods 2?
The design of both generations is very similar, with no major external changes.
Is the sound quality better in AirPods 2?
The sound quality is similar in both, with no significant differences.
Do AirPods 2 have improved latency?
Yes, the H1 chip in AirPods 2 offers reduced latency.
Did AirPods 2 introduce noise cancellation?
No, noise cancellation was not introduced in AirPods 2.
Are AirPods 2 water-resistant?
No, neither AirPods 1 nor AirPods 2 are officially water-resistant.
Can I use AirPods 1 with non-Apple devices?
Yes, they can be used with non-Apple devices over Bluetooth.
How do I know if my AirPods are the first or second generation?
Check the model number inside the charging case lid or on the earbuds.
Are there color options for AirPods 1 and 2?
Both generations are only available in white.
Is the charging case for AirPods 1 compatible with AirPods 2?
Yes, the charging cases are interchangeable between the two generations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
