Apple announces new AirPods – Wireless charging available for all AirPods

There’s something in the water at Apple Park in Cupertino. For the third night in a row Apple has made a product announcement ahead of next week’s “Show Time” event at their HQ.

New iPads, updated iMacs and now new AirPods.

These second generation AirPods contain a new Apple designed “H1 chip” for faster connections, better battery life and a full Siri experience.

Perhaps most importantly, Apple have engineered a new Wireless Charging case which works with both the first and second generation AirPods.

The Charging Case alone will set you back $129, while a new set of AirPods with charging case is $319, new AirPods in a standard case are $249.

“AirPods delivered a magical wireless experience and have become one of the most beloved products we’ve ever made. They connect easily with all of your devices, and provide crystal clear sound and intuitive, innovative control of your music and audio,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

“The world’s best wireless headphones just got even better with the new AirPods. They are powered by the new Apple-designed H1 chip which brings an extra hour of talk time, faster connections, hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ and the convenience of a new wireless battery case.”

The longer talk time appears to be the key differentiator between the generations, though there’s a bump in Audio quality too – which we’ll have to wait and test.

They’re available online at Apple now, and will be in stores next week.