New AirPods Land With Handsfree 'Hey Siri' Support, Wireless Charging Case Option
Apple’s week of new product announcement continues with the second-generation AirPods.
More Talk Time and "Hey Siri"
While the design stays the same, the new wireless headphones are sporting new features under the hood.
A new H1 chip, designed by Apple specifically for headphones, brings support for handsfree “Hey Siri” support making it easier to change sounds, adjust the volume, and more.
The chip also brings up to 50 percent more talk time and up to as twice as fast connection to an iOS device, Apple Watch, or Mac.
Apple is also offering an optional wireless charging case so the AirPods can be juiced with a regular Qi charger. There’s no word on the long-awaited AirPower mat.
You can order the new AirPods starting today from Apple’s site. They will land in Apple Stores starting next week.
The new version of the AirPods with a wireless charging case is $199. A version with a standard case charged by a Lightning cable is $159.
If you’re happy with the first generation model, you can purchase the wireless charging case separately for $79.
