New AirPods Pro fits neatly into the existing AirPods pricing tier

Apple has maintained a clear pricing tier with the AirPods Pro 2 release on Wednesday. Here's what the lineup looks like, rolling into the holiday season.

Apple's AirPods lineup offers products from $129 to $549 with varying styles and features. The latest addition are the second-generation AirPods Pro, replacing the original model at the same price point.

The remaining lineup was left unaffected by this update. So, customers can get the over-the-ear AirPods Max at the high-end or the barebones second-generation AirPods at the bottom.

Here's the full breakdown of Apple's AirPods lineup:

AirPods Max: $549 (check sale prices)
AirPods Pro (2nd generation): $249
AirPods (3rd generation): $169 (check lowest prices)
AirPods (2nd generation): $129 (check discounted prices)

Other than AirPods Max, the lineup consists of different styles of earbuds. The AirPods Pro stand out as a model with interchangeable ear tips and advanced features like ANC and Transparency modes.

The AirPods 3 offer features like Spatial Audio with head tracking in a more compact package, while the older model uses the original AirPods design in a charging case without any bells or whistles.

Customers can order the updated AirPods Pro on September 9 for $249. Initial shipments and in-store availability begin on September 16.

9 Comments

jas99 11 Years · 173 comments

About 2 years ago

I want the new AirPods Pro for their better noise cancellation.
My existing set works just fine, but protecting your hearing is important.

Vermelho 6 Years · 56 comments

jas99 said:

I want the new AirPods Pro for their better noise cancellation.
My existing set works just fine, but protecting your hearing is important.

So true. That was impressive, and as a city dweller, would be much appreciated.

But... It made me wonder if the transparency mode could be made intelligent enough to be clear concert earplugs? Seriously. Once you've got the app verified fit already implemented, you've got a good seal. Then I'd almost assume that the transparency mode can also be decibel limited. Plus, I'm thinking, maintain the correct balance of bass and treble along with dynamics. Great for musicians in bands too. Here's another forward thought: how about a Stage musician customized mix. Even just EQ could help your feed work better for singing, playing, following a groove. It would need to be a custom app to bluetooth a mixer board custom feed to you though...

applebynature 9 Years · 119 comments

Vermelho said:
But... It made me wonder if the transparency mode could be made intelligent enough to be clear concert earplugs? Seriously. Once you've got the app verified fit already implemented, you've got a good seal. Then I'd almost assume that the transparency mode can also be decibel limited. Plus, I'm thinking, maintain the correct balance of bass and treble along with dynamics. Great for musicians in bands too. Here's another forward thought: how about a Stage musician customized mix. Even just EQ could help your feed work better for singing, playing, following a groove. It would need to be a custom app to bluetooth a mixer board custom feed to you though...

I honestly envision software updates in the future adding on features like this, and more, to the AirPods Pro 2

nubus 8 Years · 628 comments

jas99 said:

I want the new AirPods Pro for their better noise cancellation.
My existing set works just fine, but protecting your hearing is important.

Doubling cancellation is 3 dB. That will bring Pro to the level of Max. But Sony MX3/MX4 are a further 4 dB ahead.
If you care about your ears then go buy the Sony headphones.
If you care about the planet (half the slides in the presentation by Apple) then keep your 1st gen Pro.

entropys 13 Years · 4316 comments

applebynature said:

Vermelho said:
But... It made me wonder if the transparency mode could be made intelligent enough to be clear concert earplugs? Seriously. Once you've got the app verified fit already implemented, you've got a good seal. Then I'd almost assume that the transparency mode can also be decibel limited. Plus, I'm thinking, maintain the correct balance of bass and treble along with dynamics. Great for musicians in bands too. Here's another forward thought: how about a Stage musician customized mix. Even just EQ could help your feed work better for singing, playing, following a groove. It would need to be a custom app to bluetooth a mixer board custom feed to you though...

I honestly envision software updates in the future adding on features like this, and more, to the AirPods Pro 2

Or, apple waits for AirPods Pro 3.