Top features and how to use them

Apple’s new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) launched on September 23 and retail for $249. They have a ton of new features that make them a must have if you like AirPods.

They have new features like adaptive transparency mode, volume control right on the buds, new charging options and the ability to locate your headphones using the Find My app.

Here’s how to get the most out of your AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and take advantage of each of the new features.

Thanks to a new H2 chip, the new AirPods have the adaptive transparency mode, which allows them to block out harsh noises such as a siren or a motorcycle. It’s not the same feature as the noise-cancelling mode, which blocks out a lot more noise around you and blocks loud noises instead, even with noise-cancellation turned off. Here’s how to turn it on.

• Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone.
• Open settings.
• At the top of the settings page, tap the entry for your AirPods.
• Scroll down to Adaptive Transparency and turn it on or off.

The touch controls on the new Pros allow you to turn the volume down or up by gently swiping up or down on the AirPods stem. How to use the function.

• You’ll feel an area that’s slightly indented and has a matte texture instead of a glossy one on the side of each AirPod.
• Swipe up or down slightly to control the volume.
• Each time you swipe the stem, the volume will only increase or decrease by one level. You will hear a ticking sound with each hit. You can also see the volume increase on your iPhone.

There are four ways to charge your new AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

1. You can use the Lightning charger that comes with the new AirPods.
2. You can also put them on any Qi wireless charging pad.
3. MagSafe is built into the new AirPods, meaning the case will automatically stick to any MagSafe charger you may already own for an iPhone.
4. And for the first time ever, you can use an Apple Watch charger to charge your new Pros. It just sticks magnetically and starts charging.

The new AirPods case includes Apple’s U1 chip, so you can use the Find My app to see the exact location where you last left your AirPods.

Since there’s a new speaker built into the case, you can also ask Find My to play a sound from your AirPods case to help you locate it. Here’s how to do it.

• Open the Find My app.
• Find your AirPods by their name. For example, mine are called Sofia’s AirPods Pro #3.
• Press Play Sound to hear your AirPods.
• Select Search to see where your AirPods are located on a map.
• If your buds aren’t in your case, the Find My app will also help you locate each individual bud.