AirPods (2nd generation)
Hands-free Siri and faster switching arrive with the H1 chip.
Overview
The 2019 refresh looked the same, so the changes sat inside. The H1 chip connected to a phone up to twice as fast when switching between devices, extended talk time by about 50 percent and listened for the Hey Siri phrase without a double tap.
A wireless charging case was sold as an option for $199, and later the case could be bought separately. A small status light moved to the front of the wireless case, which was the only external clue to the model.
Sound quality and fit stayed the same, and the one-size shape continued to fit some ears better than others. Even so, this version sold in enormous numbers and remained in the lineup, with a lower price, for more than five years.
Why it mattered
Brought Apple's H1 chip and Hey Siri to the lineup, and introduced the optional wireless charging case.
At a glance
- Announced
- March 20, 2019
- Released
- March 20, 2019
- Discontinued
- September 9, 2024
- Launch price
- $159
- Status
- Discontinued
Highlights
- H1 chip with faster switching
- Hey Siri hands-free
- Optional wireless charging case
- 50% more talk time
- Remained on sale until 2024
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Audio
- Noise control
- None
- Spatial Audio
- No
- Microphones
- Dual beamforming microphones, voice-detecting accelerometer
Chip
- Chip
- Apple H1
Battery
- Listening time
- Up to 5 hours
- Total with case
- Up to 24 hours
- Talk time
- Up to 3 hours
Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Charging
- Lightning case, or Qi wireless case (optional)
Design
- Water resistance
- None
- Weight
- 4 g per earbud
Features
- Controls
- Double-tap on either earbud, or Hey Siri
- Sensors
- Dual optical sensors, motion accelerometer
Software
- Launch OS
- iOS 12.2
How it compares
More in the AirPods family
AirPods (1st generation)
Cord-free earbuds that pair with an iPhone in one tap.
AirPods (3rd generation)
A shorter-stem redesign with Spatial Audio and sweat resistance.
AirPods 4
A new open-fit shape and an H2 chip at $129.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Open-fit earbuds that can still cancel noise.
AirPods 5
Open-fit earbuds with noise cancellation at the entry price.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
The same ANC earbuds plus volume swipes and a wireless case.