Updated September 2026: in 2022 I listed further disappointments with the AirPods Pro 2 launch, chiefly that Apple kept the same design and offered no new colours three years after the original, while competitors launched redesigned earbuds in many colours. I have rewritten it into a guide to what actually matters when comparing premium earbuds.
By 2022, the first AirPods Pro were three years old. iPhones, Macs and Apple Watch had all been redesigned or offered new colours, and rival wireless earbuds came in fresh shapes and finishes. I expected Apple to do the same. The AirPods Pro 2 looked almost identical and came only in white.
Does earbud design matter?
Fit matters far more than looks. Earbuds that stay put, seal well and feel comfortable for hours give better sound and better noise cancellation. A refined design that fits your ears poorly is worse than an unchanged one that fits well. Colour is personal preference, and cases or skins can add it.
What should you compare between premium earbuds?
- Fit and comfort: try them if you can; ear shapes vary widely.
- Noise cancellation: especially in the environments you use them in, such as commutes or offices.
- Call quality: microphone performance in noisy places.
- Battery life: per charge with noise cancellation on, and total with the case.
- Platform features: AirPods work best with Apple devices; Samsung, Sony and Google earbuds offer their own extras on Android.
Did Apple change AirPods Pro later?
Gradually. The case moved to USB-C in 2023, software updates added adaptive audio and hearing features, and AirPods Pro 3 in 2025 brought a revised design with heart-rate sensing. Apple has still kept to a white finish.
Are competitors a better choice?
For Android users, often yes, since AirPods lose many features without an iPhone. For iPhone users, AirPods' automatic switching and integration are hard to match, though Sony and others may offer stronger sound tuning or more colours.
Was the complaint fair?
As a matter of taste, yes; Apple was cautious with the design. As a buying guide, less so. Fit, noise cancellation and how well the earbuds work with your phone decide whether you enjoy them, far more than how new they look.
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