Active Noise Cancellation

Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) describes a technology in modern headphones that reduces external noise from a listening experience. AirPods Pro includes a microphone on the outside earpiece that continuously listens for external noise, then sends an anti-noise sound into the ear to counteract the external noise. This effect is performed with minimal latency, so the wearer never hears the sound being canceled out. A second microphone located inside the ear listens to the sound in your ear canal and will cancel any unwanted noises there.

The ANC is continuously adjusted 200 times per second to ensure the best results.

Transparency Mode

Transparency mode is a third listening mode for the earphones, after ANC and standard. When wearing earbuds with flexible ear tips, you're likely seeking to seal off the ear canal entirely. This creates a barrier to external sound, making hearing the world around you difficult, even with ANC off.

Fit and design

Apple includes three different earpieces in the box, allowing for variety to the fit and seal. The attachment is a simple plastic oval, which third parties can replicate. Another unique feature is its ability to perform an "Ear Tip Fit Test" to verify that the ear tips you have chosen provide a proper seal.

Battery Life

Apple says that the AirPods Pro will last 4.5 hours with ANC turned on and only gains another half hour with the setting turned off. The charging case offers an additional 24 hours of battery, just like its predecessor. Apple says five minutes in the case will provide enough power for one extra hour of listening.

Other features

The water resistance is rated at IPX4, meaning working out with the AirPods Pro or exposing them to a bit of rain shouldn't scare you.

Like ANC, Adaptive EQ will listen continuously to the audio inside your ear canal, but it adjusts for audio quality instead of adjusting for noise.