Apple’s updated AirPods are here, cost $199 with new wireless charging case

Enlarge / Apple AirPods.

After announcing new iPads and iMacs earlier this week, Apple has released details about its next-generation AirPods. The new wireless earbuds, which are available for preorder today starting at $159, come with an updated, Apple-designed chip, more battery life, and “Hey Siri” voice-command support. Apple also debuted a new wireless charging case for AirPods that can be charged with any Qi wireless charger.

We didn’t expect Apple to radically redesign the AirPods this time around, and they look nearly identical to the previous model. Inside, however, is a new H1 chip that Apple designed specifically for headphones. The company claims the new chip will provide up to 50 percent more talk time than previous models, faster connect times when switching between iPhone, iPad, and other Apple host devices, and general performance improvements.

The new H1 chip also lets AirPods listen for the “Hey Siri” voice command. Previously, users had to touch the side of one AirPod before speaking a command to Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant. Now, users can just say the waking command before asking Siri to do things like adjust the volume, play a different song, and more.

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