Apple Explains Why Second-Generation AirPods Pro Ear Tips Are Incompatible With Original AirPods Pro

[MacRumors]

Apple today explained why the new silicone ear tips for the second-generation AirPods Pro are not officially compatible with the original AirPods Pro.

In an updated support document, Apple said the original AirPods Pro ear tips have "noticeably denser mesh" than the second-generation ear tips. Apple did not provide any additional details, but the mesh density could result in acoustical differences.

"Ear tips have been designed specifically for their AirPods Pro generation, to deliver the highest-fidelity audio experience," the support document says. "As a result, use the ear tips that come with your AirPods Pro. AirPods Pro (1st generation) ear tips have noticeably denser mesh than AirPods Pro (2nd generation) ear tips."

Despite the mesh differences, the second-generation ear tips do fit the original AirPods Pro, so they are still physically compatible.

The mesh on the original AirPods Pro ear tips​

The second-generation ear tips are available in a new XS option, while the original ear tips remain available in small, medium, and large only. Both generations of ear tips are available on Apple's online store in sets of two for $7.99 in the United States.

The new AirPods Pro will begin arriving to customers and launch in stores over the next day. The first reviews of the new AirPods Pro were shared earlier today, providing a closer look at improvements to sound quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, and more. The second-generation AirPods Pro remain priced at $249.

Update: The Verge's Chris Welch tested both generations of ear tips with the new AirPods Pro and did not notice any obvious sound differences:

Could a looser mesh pattern really make any difference to sound quality? If it's there, it's extremely subtle. Swapping back and forth between the first- and second-gen tips on the latest AirPods Pro, I didn't notice any immediate or obvious sound changes. Noise cancellation also remained just as effective with both pairs. Maybe lab testing equipment can reveal some differences between the tips, but your ears will probably have a harder time at it.

Article Link: Apple Explains Why Second-Generation AirPods Pro Ear Tips Are Incompatible With Original AirPods Pro

 

[entropys]

A lot more detail that could otherwise be summarised as “profit”.

 

[matthew12]

So basically, "well you really just shouldn't use them." If I had AirPods Pro, might as well go with these if they're still physically compatible. Maybe someone should test if there's a difference, but I'd bet it's so minor only a hardcore audiophile could pick up on it.

 

[appleguy123]

Did Apple improve the sound quality partly by shielding them less from ear wax ingress?

 

[CarAnalogy]

If I’m reading this correctly that means I should drop $8 on the new ear tips for improved sound quality on my first gen APP.

But I already got third party foam ear tips that work way better than the stock ones anyway.

 

[Mdracer]

Planned obsolescence. FTFY

 

[appleguy123]

If I’m reading this correctly that means I should drop $8 on the new ear tips for improved sound quality on my first gen APP.

But I already got third party foam ear tips that work way better than the stock ones anyway.

The Comply tips have a noticeably less dense mesh than AirPods Pro 1 and the sound quality does seem better.

 

[stardew]

Chile… Lanwow on Amazon better update their designs then 😭

 

[InuNacho]

 

[steve09090]

A lot more detail that could otherwise be summarised as “profit”.

Who is seriously going to be using an old set of ear tips for a new AirPod Pro? What a strange/stupid reason to claim profit….

 

[bigjnyc]

So in other words if you want the smaller tip don’t spend $8 for them on their own…. We much rather you spend $249 for them along with the new AirPods Pro

 

[fel10]

Because money

 

[CarAnalogy]

The Comply tips have a noticeably less dense mesh than AirPods Pro 1 and the sound quality does seem better.

The default ones just straight up hurt my ears after like five minutes. The foam ones also seal better. I never actually thought about the sound hole but it’s clearly better by comparison whatever the reason.

 

[steve09090]

Planned obsolescence. FTFY

So they planned to change an ear tip to force everyone to upgrade? Seriously?

So in other words if you want the smaller tip don’t spend $8 for them on their own…. We much rather you spend $249 for them along with the new AirPods Pro

They simply won’t fit. Because the mesh is thicker in the original. I’ve rarely heard anyone whinge about things becoming thinner…. Except in this forum. It astounds me when people draw their own conclusions without actually reading the article.

 

[iphonehype]

Foam tips from comply I always use anyway

 

[sw1tcher]

Who is seriously going to be using an old set of ear tips for a new AirPod Pro? What a strange/stupid reason to claim profit….

No. You're missing it.

The 2nd gen AirPods Pro ear tips are not compatible with 1st gen AirPods Pro so if you want/need the XS size for your 1st gen AirPods Pro, sorry, you're out of luck.

You'll have to buy (i.e. Apple wants you to buy) the 2nd gen AirPods Pro to get them even though the XS size can be purchased on their own for your 1st gen AirPods Pro and they unofficially fit.

 

[Isentropic]

Ahem…The tips are financially incompatible with each other.

 

[The Barron]

If I’m reading this correctly that means I should drop $8 on the new ear tips for improved sound quality on my first gen APP.

But I already got third party foam ear tips that work way better than the stock ones anyway.

What brand, etc. do you use? TIA for the 411.

 

[macduke]

Despite the mesh differences, the second-generation ear tips do fit the original AirPods Pro, so they are still physically compatible.

They simply won’t fit. Because the mesh is thicker in the original. I’ve rarely heard anyone whinge about things becoming thinner…. Except in this forum. It astounds me when people draw their own conclusions without actually reading the article.

BRO you didn't read the article and then complained about someone else not reading the article are you even for real.

 

[GSWForever8]

This is all for money. All this is just an elaborate explanation to cover it up.

 

[fancy_pance]

So denser mesh on 1st generation means possibly attenuated sound if used on 2nd gen? Either way, I'm gonna be using Comply tips so I hope the difference isn't that great (or that Comply makes an updated version).

 

[tastesliketailpipe]

Most Apple thing ever.

 

[BGPL]

Who is seriously going to be using an old set of ear tips for a new AirPod Pro? What a strange/stupid reason to claim profit….

The irony here.

 

[w5jck]

So they planned to change an ear tip to force everyone to upgrade? Seriously?



They simply won’t fit. Because the mesh is thicker in the original. I’ve rarely heard anyone whinge about things becoming thinner…. Except in this forum. It astounds me when people draw their own conclusions without actually reading the article.

What astounds me is so many around here love to drink the poison apple juice until they believe every stupid thing Apple tells them…

 

[darngooddesign]

A lot more detail that could otherwise be summarised as “profit”.

Right? And the tips don't even fit the regular AirPods.... what monsters they are.