New Apple AirPods launch with improved battery and H1 chip

Apple kick-started the trend for true wireless headphones and now the tech giant has launched its eagerly awaited second generation Apple AirPods.

The headline features are enhanced battery life, a wireless charging case and the ability to go hands-free with Siri.

There's also a extra speech-detecting accelerometer which works with beamforming mics inside the AirPods to help remove external noise and make your voice clearer.

Talk time is up to 50 per cent longer than the first-gen Apple AirPods (from two hours to three). You should also get five hours of listening from a single charge and 24 hours when you factor in the charging case, although the fine print does say Apple's testing was done at half volume. If you enjoy cranking your tunes up, those figures could vary.

The second generation 2019 AirPods with wireless charging case cost £199/$199, while you can also buy the new AirPods with the standard charging case for £159/$159.

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.