Earlier, Apple quietly revealed the AirPods Pro on their website. Completing Apple’s “Pro” lineup for 2019, the AirPods Pro promises an immersive audio experience with Active Noise Cancellation.

Of course, we’ve got our hands on the hottest gadget in the world of tech right now. Let’s unbox the Apple AirPods Pro!

The packaging comes in the usual white box with an illustration of the new AirPods.

Of course, what’s a retail box without a manual?

Here’s the AirPods Pro case…

It’s shorter and wider compared on the original AirPods case

It comes with its own lightning cable…

And two sets of ear tips making sure you have the right fit.

Here’s how the AirPods Pro looks alongside its charging case.

The AirPods Pro looks pretty much like the non-pro version when worn.

Have you been waiting for these noise-cancelling earphones?

SEE MORE: Apple officially announces the AirPods Pro

Remember when we bumped into an OEM Case Maker in Hong Kong and confirmed the AirPods Pro will be coming? Well, the long wait is over as Apple quietly revealed the AirPods Pro through their website. The latest AirPods completes Apple’s “Pro” lineup for 2019 — iPhone 11 Pro, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and the Pro Display XDR.

You can find a plethora of wireless earbuds around, from major brands, down to clone makers. In fact, Sony launched the first true noise-cancelling earbuds with the WF-1000XM3. Other major companies (such as Microsoft with the Surface Buds and Google’s New Pixel Buds) followed the wireless buds “trend”– so what’s with the AirPods Pro hype?

What’s new?

Image by GadgetMatch

Other than the new design (that honestly looks like a miniaturized hair blower) and a wider case, it’s packed with serious audio tech. A lot of audiophiles have been loving their AirPods, what more with the AirPods Pro?

If you’re one among those people who use the good ol’ AirPods (including me), you can still hear your surroundings around, even if you max out the volume of your music. With the AirPods Pro, you don’t have to worry as it now has Active Noise Cancellation.

Image by GadgetMatch

It’s possible thanks to the H1 chip and sensors, capable of delivering immersive audio experience in a small bud package. The opposing inward and outward-facing microphones equal the amount of unwanted external sound through Anti-Noise.

Not used to complete music isolation? You can press and hold the Force Sensor on the stem to switch to Transparency Mode — ideal for a more natural environment, especially when you want to hear people around you. The sensor also lets you switch between songs and answer calls in between.

Image by GadgetMatch

Apple promises that you’ll feel your music more than the headphones as they incorporated air vents to alleviate the pressure. The microphone also features an expanded mesh that improves the quality of calls even in windy situations.

With comfort in mind, there are three different earbud tips that cater to various ear sizes. Adaptive EQ also helps in tuning the music to the shape of your ear, for a richer and clearer listening experience. For fitness freaks, it’s now a perfect gym partner as it features IPX4 sweat and water resistance.

The features we love are still here

Image by GadgetMatch

Just like the older AirPods, you can activate “Hey Siri” hands-free with your voice. You can switch between music, answer calls, ask for directions, all without lifting your finger. Audio Sharing is also present, so you can wirelessly share the music or podcast to someone (and dongles should be a thing of the past).

With a single charge, expect up to 4.5 hours of listening and 3.5 hours with talking. A 15-minute charge with the case will get you another hour of listening and talking. You can expect more than 24 hours of usage with a fully-charged wireless charging case. It’s also Qi-compatible, so you can charge it wirelessly wherever you go.

Pricing and availability

It retails for US$ 249 in the United States and SG$ 379 in Singapore. In the Philippines, it sells for PhP 14,990, which is worth PhP 3,000 more than the recent AirPods 2 with wireless charging case.

It’s currently available for pre-order in the United States and 25 other countries (such as Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong) while in-store availability will roll out later this week. Apple will start shipping out orders on October 30, 2019.

Availability in other regions are yet to be followed.

Much has been said about the AirPods. They’re hideous, overpriced, and of late — an unlikely status symbol. Apple is rumored to be launching a premium, even more expensive variant of the wireless earphones this holiday season.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? As with every new iPhone launch, the launch of the AirPods Pro signals the perfect time to buy the older model — if its price tag drops. And just like a new iPhone, this also means a good time to dress up and buy protection for the next ubiquitous item in your purse. There are plenty of colorful options out there, but in this list we stick to three classic neutrals so they don’t attract any more unnecessary attention than they already do:

Black polka dots

DOTTY in Black from LAUT, US$24.99

Black doesn’t always have to be plain and boring. Patterns and textures can add that extra playfulness you might need from any accessory — whether that’s a headband, a belt, or a pair of boots. The same goes for this DOTTY AirPods case from LAUT. It helps that polka dots are on trend right now, although it’s one of those prints that never really goes out of style.

Get the DOTTY in Black for US$24.99

Tan leather

Rugged Case in Natural Leather from Nomad, US$29.95

Feel like going for a rugged yet polished look? This genuine Horween leather case from Nomad might be your match. The official color name of what we have is called Natural Leather, and it goes well with pretty much every summer and fall accessory in anyone’s wardrobe.

Get the Rugged Case in Natural Leather for US$ 29.95

White marble

HUEX ELEMENTS in White from LAUT, US$24.99

If you’re anything like me and one of the reasons you like Apple’s AirPods over other wireless earphones is the fact that it comes in white, then LAUT’s marbly white silicone case is perfect for you. It also comes in black, but the white version is understated yet elegant, and doesn’t clash with the rest of your things — it compliments everything else that you own.

Get the HUEX ELEMENTS in White for US$24.99

Do you own a pair of AirPods? What case do you use to protect them? Let us know in the comments below!