AirPods (2nd gen) (2019)
The second AirPods generation retained the open shape while adding H1, voice-activated Siri and an optional Qi case.
Specs
| Platform | H1 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; Lightning or Qi/Lightning case |
| Highlight | Double tap; hands-free Siri |
| Advertised battery life | Up to 5 hours listening; more than 24 with case |
| Price | 159 USD |
Launch and context
Apple announced it on March 20, 2019 and opened orders that day, with store availability planned for the following week. The standard charging-case package cost $159 in the US; the wireless-case package cost $199. The Qi case was also sold separately for first-generation owners. These were case options, not two different earbud generations. [ap19-launch]
How Apple presented it
H1 added hands-free Siri, with Apple claiming up to twice as fast device switching and up to 50% more talk time than the first generation. These are launch marketing comparisons. The technical sheet lists up to 5 hours of listening per charge and more than 24 with case recharging. The standard case charged by Lightning; the wireless case supported Qi and Lightning. Qi was not included in both packages. [ap19-launch, ap19-spec]
Documented issues
The Verge found sound, shape and fit essentially unchanged from the first generation. The open design offered little isolation on a plane or subway and had no active noise cancellation. Fit depended on the ear, without interchangeable silicone tips like AirPods Pro. The test considered wireless charging convenient but slow. These limits are not manufacturing defects and do not establish faults specific to other AirPods models. Actual endurance and a used battery's condition depend on age and use; original figures do not guarantee a surviving example. [ap19-review, ap19-spec]
Sources
- ap19-launch · Apple Newsroom, AirPods are getting even better (2019-03-20) · https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/03/airpods-the-worlds-most-popular-wireless-headphones-are-getting-even-better/
- ap19-review · The Verge, AirPods 2 review (2019-03-29) · https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/29/18286012/apple-airpods-2-new-2nd-gen-review-price-specs-features
- ap19-spec · Apple Support, AirPods 2 specs · https://support.apple.com/en-us/111856
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Updated: October 26, 2026 · Compare this product