The recently released Apple AirPods Pro introduces some noteworthy improvements compared to its predecessor. This includes Transparency mode and noise-cancellation. Another major feature that was not highlighted in the past is the improved latency, which musician and software developer Stephen Coyle recently explored.
The software developer recently subjected Apple AirPods Pro to test by recording the difference in time between the moment the sound event is triggered and when it is received by the user. It is worth noting that latency is not the same as video playback, as Coyle notes. Video playback is slightly delayed to make sure that the audio properly lines up.
Latency is an issue with sounds that are unpredictable by nature, according to Coyle. This includes sound effects in games, user-initiated sounds, and more. Coyle first tested the latency of the iOS keyboard, which reveals high latency and a noticeable delay when tapping a key and hearing the sound.
I’ve taken another look at the world of Bluetooth devices and audio latency, including some tests of AirPods Pro and second-gen AirPods.https://t.co/18hN1EQYm9 — Stephen Coyle (@stephencoyle) December 21, 2019
Coyle conducted the second test using the game titled "Tapt," which he developed. Because of the nature of the game, it is easier for Coyle to notice the delays caused by Bluetooth latency. To benchmark the performance, the software developer also tested Beats Studio 3, Apple Airpods 2, and Sony WH-CH700N as well as device speakers. Additionally, he added latency numbers to the old AirPods test to clearly see the difference. The original AirPods has a latency of 274ms courtesy of its W1 chip. The pair of AirPods 2 has a latency of 178ms because it dropped the W1 and switched to H1 system on chip. But, the latency went down further with Apple AirPods Pro with only 144ms latency.
It’s great to see that Apple’s PR is not just PR. Although audio latency is not a major feature of the #AirPodsPro it’s significantly better.https://t.co/f6ZC8HWNYK pic.twitter.com/Xdz54gti2T — Nati Shochat ️ (@natisho) December 22, 2019
It is worth mentioning that the AirPods Pro also uses the same H1 system on chip found on the second generation Apple AirPods. But, there is a noticeable improvement in terms of latency between the two earpieces. Sony WH-CH700N and Beats Studio 3 have much higher latency compared to Airpods 2 and AirPods Pro.
The new Apple AirPods Pro is one of the fastest selling Apple products this year and has received positive feedback since its launch. Users love its noise- cancellation feature along with the transparency mode and its enhanced audio output.
