AirPods Pro (2019)
The first AirPods Pro replaced the open shape with silicone tips, adding active noise cancellation, Transparency mode and squeeze controls.
Specs
| Platform | H1; active noise cancellation; Transparency |
| Connectivity | Qi and Lightning on original case |
| Highlight | Force sensor; three tip sizes |
| Battery life and protection | IPX4 earbuds; up to 4.5 h with noise cancellation |
| Release | 2019-10-30 |
| Price | 249 USD |
Launch and context
Apple announced them on October 28, 2019 and opened orders that day at $249 in the US. Shipping began October 30, with stores varying by country during that week. The original package included a Qi wireless case with a Lightning port, not the MagSafe case of later revisions. H1 remained the headphone chip. The main change from open AirPods was the in-ear seal, rather than a case variation alone. [pro-launch, pro-spec]
How Apple presented it
Three tip sizes and an ear-tip fit test helped find a suitable seal. Venting balanced pressure and Adaptive EQ adjusted low and mid frequencies. A force sensor on the stem controlled playback and listening modes. Apple advertised up to 4.5 hours with active noise cancellation and more than 24 with case recharging. The earbuds' IPX4 rating did not permit submersion or extend to the original case. Fit and endurance depended on the user, conditions and use. [pro-launch, pro-spec, pro-review]
Documented issues
Apple documented crackling or static and abnormal noise cancellation in a small percentage of units manufactured before October 2020. Its historical program covered affected earbuds after inspection, not the case or other AirPods. MacRumors reported closure in October 2025; the current program index no longer lists it, although the old page remains accessible. That documentation does not guarantee free replacement today. The Verge also observed temporary control and noise-cancellation glitches in its 2019 test; these cannot establish a failure rate across all units. [pro-service, service-index, pro-closure, pro-review]
Sources
- pro-closure · , Apple ends AirPods Pro sound program, Oct11 2025 · https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/11/apple-ends-service-programs-airpods-pro-iphone-12/
- pro-launch · , Apple reveals new AirPods Pro, October28 2019 · https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30/
- pro-review · , The Verge AirPods Pro review, Nov1 2019 · https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/1/20942472/apple-airpods-pro-review-design-price-specs-features-noise-cancellation
- pro-service · , Apple historical sound service program · https://support.apple.com/airpods-pro-service-program-sound-issues
- pro-spec · , AirPods Pro1 with Wireless Charging Case · https://support.apple.com/en-us/111861
- service-index · , Apple Service Programs index · https://support.apple.com/service-programs
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Updated: October 26, 2026 · Compare this product