Are you having trouble telling the difference between AirPods 1 and 2? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. While the differences between the two models are not drastic, they are important and can affect your listening experience. In this article, we will provide you with a simple guide on how to tell the difference between the two models of Apple’s AirPod earbuds.
At first glance, it may be difficult to notice any visual differences between the two models. However, there are a few key differences that you can look out for. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to easily identify which model of AirPods you have, whether it’s the first or second generation. So, let’s dive in and learn how to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2.
Identifying the Charging Case
If you’re trying to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2, one of the main things to look at is the charging case. Here are some ways to identify the charging case:
LED Light Placement
One way to tell the difference between the charging cases is by looking at the LED light placement. The first-generation AirPods charging case has the LED light on the inside of the case, between the two AirPods slots. The second-generation AirPods charging case has the LED light on the outside of the case, on the front.
Design and Finish
Another way to tell the difference between the charging cases is by looking at the design and finish. The second-generation AirPods charging case has a slightly different design than the first-generation case. It has a smoother hinge and a more matte finish. The first-generation AirPods charging case has a glossy finish and a slightly bulkier hinge.
In addition, the second-generation AirPods charging case is compatible with wireless charging, while the first-generation case is not. If you have a wireless charging pad, you can place your AirPods 2 charging case on it to charge them without having to plug them in.
identifying the charging case is one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2. By looking at the LED light placement and the design and finish of the case, you can quickly determine which generation of AirPods you have.
Physical Differences
When it comes to the physical differences between AirPods 1 and 2, there are a few subtle changes that you can look out for. Here are two key differences to keep in mind:
Weight
The weight of AirPods 2 is slightly heavier than the first generation. The first-generation AirPods weigh 4 grams each, while AirPods 2 weigh 4.2 grams each. While the difference in weight may not be noticeable to everyone, it is something to keep in mind when trying to differentiate between the two models.
Button Placement
The button placement on the charging case is also slightly different between the two models. On the first-generation AirPods, the button is located on the back of the case. However, on AirPods 2, the button has been moved to the front of the case. This change was made to accommodate the new wireless charging feature that was added to AirPods 2.
the physical differences between AirPods 1 and 2 are subtle but important to note. AirPods 2 are slightly heavier than the first generation, and the button placement on the charging case has been moved to the front to accommodate the new wireless charging feature.
Performance Differences
When it comes to performance, there are a few key differences between AirPods 1 and 2. Let’s take a closer look at battery life and connectivity.
Battery Life
One of the biggest differences between AirPods 1 and 2 is battery life. With AirPods 1, you can expect up to 5 hours of listening time and up to 2 hours of talk time on a single charge. However, with AirPods 2, you can enjoy up to 5 hours of listening time and up to 3 hours of talk time on a single charge. This means that if you’re someone who uses your AirPods for phone calls, AirPods 2 may be a better option for you.
In addition to longer battery life, AirPods 2 also come with a wireless charging case. This means that you can charge your AirPods on the go without having to plug them into a power source. With the charging case, you can enjoy over 24 hours of listening time and up to 18 hours of talk time.
Connectivity
Another difference between AirPods 1 and 2 is connectivity. AirPods 2 feature Apple’s new H1 chip, which provides faster and more stable wireless connectivity. This means that you’ll experience fewer dropouts and less lag when listening to music or making phone calls.
In addition to improved connectivity, AirPods 2 also support “Hey Siri” voice commands. This means that you can activate Siri hands-free, without having to double-tap your AirPods like you do with AirPods 1. This can be especially useful if you’re driving or doing something else that requires your hands.
while AirPods 1 and 2 may look similar, there are some important differences when it comes to performance. If you’re someone who values longer battery life and improved connectivity, AirPods 2 may be the better choice for you.
Feature Differences
Voice Assistant Access
One of the key differences between AirPods 1 and 2 is the ability to access Siri hands-free. With AirPods 2, you can simply say “Hey Siri” to activate the voice assistant without having to double-tap the earbuds. This feature is not available on AirPods 1, which require a double-tap to activate Siri.
In addition, AirPods 2 also offer faster Siri response times compared to their predecessor. This is due to the H1 chip, which is found in both AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro. The H1 chip enables faster connection times, lower latency, and improved battery life.
Auto Play/Pause
Another feature exclusive to AirPods 2 is the ability to automatically pause audio playback when you remove one of the earbuds from your ear. This feature is made possible by the built-in optical sensors that detect when the earbuds are removed. When you put the earbud back in your ear, audio playback resumes automatically.
This feature is not available on AirPods 1, which require you to manually pause and resume playback using your device or by double-tapping the earbud.
while AirPods 1 and 2 may look similar, the added features of AirPods 2 make them a worthwhile upgrade for those who use Siri frequently or want the convenience of automatic play/pause.
Price Differences
When it comes to purchasing AirPods, the price difference between the first and second generation is something to consider. The second generation AirPods are generally more expensive than the first generation.
The original AirPods were released in 2016 and were priced at $159. In March 2019, Apple released the second generation AirPods, which start at $199.
However, it is worth noting that there are different options available for both generations, which can affect the price. For example, the first generation AirPods with a wireless charging case are priced at $199, the same price as the base model of the second generation.
Additionally, it is possible to find deals and discounts on both generations of AirPods, so it is always worth shopping around to find the best price.
the price difference between the first and second generation AirPods is something to consider when deciding which model to purchase. While the second generation offers some improvements, the first generation may be a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Conclusion
it can be difficult to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2 at first glance. However, there are a few key differences that can help you identify which model you have.
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference is to check the model number, which can be found in the settings of your device. Another way is to look for the LED light on the front of the charging case, which is green for AirPods 2 and not present on AirPods 1.
While the differences between the two models may seem small, they can have a significant impact on the overall user experience. AirPods 2 offer improved audio and voice quality, longer talk time, and support for voice-activated Siri, making them a worthwhile upgrade for many users.
Ultimately, whether you have AirPods 1 or 2, both models offer a high-quality wireless listening experience that is unmatched by many other earbuds on the market.
