Apple has developed custom silicon chips, the H1 and H2, to power audio features in AirPods and select Beats headphones. These chips offer significant improvements over standard Bluetooth audio, enhancing the user experience through better connectivity, power efficiency, sound quality, and smart features.
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Introduction
Since 2016, Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro have popularized a convenient true wireless listening experience. Powering these wireless earbuds are Apple-designed chips, the H1 and new H2, which improve audio performance and reliability compared to standard Bluetooth chipsets.
The H1 chip first appeared in the second generation of AirPods in 2019, while the enhanced H2 debuted in the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) model in 2022. Both chips provide crucial benefits that elevate Apple’s audio accessories over competitors.
Key Benefits of the H1 Chip
The H1 chip provides several essential upgrades for a better wireless listening experience:
Easy Pairing and Connectivity with Apple Devices
The H1 chip allows for quick first-time pairing with Apple devices using a simplified setup process. Once paired, AirPods with the H1 chip will automatically connect to your Apple devices as soon as you open the case near them. This creates a seamless listening experience as you switch between your iPhone, iPad and other Apple products.
The H1 also enables a more reliable wireless connection. Signal stability is improved compared to older Bluetooth chipsets, reducing instances of dropouts or lagging audio.
Power Efficiency
With the H1 chip, battery life while streaming audio is extended up to 50% compared to the previous generation of AirPods with the W1 chip. Enhancements in power management lead to longer talk and listening times between charges.
{{< table caption=”Improvements from W1 to H1 Chips” >}}
| Metric | W1 Chip | H1 Chip | Improvement |
| Talk time | 2 hours | 3 hours | 50% |
| Audio playback | 5 hours | 6 hours | 20% |
| Connection speed | 0.3 sec | 0.2 sec | 30% faster |
{{< /table >}}
This battery optimization is crucial for maintaining connectivity during long listening sessions.
Noise Cancellation and Audio Controls
The H1 chip unlocks key audio features like Active Noise Cancellation on the AirPods Pro to dampen external sounds. It also powers the Ear Detection sensor that pauses audio when removing an AirPod, and enables seamless device switching. You can transition from iPhone to Mac audio output without delay thanks to the H1 chip.
Additionally, the H1 reduces Bluetooth latency by 30% compared to older chips. This leads to better synchronization between audio and video when streaming videos or playing games.
Overall, the H1 chip manages a range of audio controls and intelligence that creates a smarter wireless listening experience tailored to your usage.
Upgrades in the H2 Chip
Building off the H1 foundation, Apple developed a next-generation chipset dubbed the H2. This custom silicon debut in the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) released in late 2022.
The H2 chip inherits all H1 capabilities while adding further enhancements:
Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro powered by the H1 chip already provide industry-leading noise cancellation. But the H2 pushes the technology even further using improved software and hardware capabilities.
A custom audio driver and high-bandwidth sound processing deliver 2x better noise reduction versus the original AirPods Pro. This allows for immersive listening in even the noisiest environments like airplane cabins or packed trains.
Adaptive Transparency and Spatial Audio
Beyond noise cancellation, the H2 also introduces Adaptive Transparency. This clever mode allows external sound in for situational awareness, but leverages on-device intelligence to automatically reduce loud environmental noises like nearby construction tools or traffic.
The AirPods Pro 2 also unlock a Personalized Spatial Audio feature only available with the H2 chip. Using the built-in gyroscope and accelerometer, along with ARKit integration on your iPhone, this setting tunes audio frequencies to your individual head shape and ear position. The result is a theatre-like listening experience with truly immersive directional sound placement.
Acoustics and Sound Quality
The H2 powers a new low distortion speaker driver that improves acoustic quality. Music reproduction across the frequency range is clearer and more precise thanks to the H2’s upgraded hardware design and audio firmware optimizations.
Bass response sees the most radical improvement – now richer and deeper for a more dynamic listening experience. High, mid and low frequencies all benefit from the H2’s sound tuning capabilities.
Conclusion
Apple’s proprietary H1 and H2 silicon demonstrate how custom chips can elevate headphones beyond standard Bluetooth capabilities. Seamless connectivity, extended battery life, premium sound and intelligent audio Adjustments provide a vastly superior wireless listening experience perfected for Apple ecosystem users.
As Apple extends its audio chipsets into Beats headphones like the Fit Pro earbuds, expect wider adoption of key innovations debuted in AirPods. The tight integration of headphone hardware with software and custom silicon in the H1 and H2 propel Apple audio accessories generations ahead of competitors. Users can enjoy a wireless audio experience that “just works” thanks to these special chips.
