If you’re standing in an electronics aisle or scrolling through a refurbished gear site, you’ve probably felt that sudden wave of confusion. You see "AirPods Pro," then you see "AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)," and then you notice one has a different hole on the bottom. Is it a whole new model? Or just a different cord? Honestly, the naming convention Apple uses is a bit of a mess.
If you just want the quick answer: There are technically three distinct generations of AirPods Pro as of early 2026.
But that doesn't actually tell the whole story. If you count the "stealth" mid-generation refreshes that changed the charging cases and the internal hardware, the number of versions you might encounter in the wild is actually five.
Understanding how many AirPods Pro are there matters because buying the "wrong" 2nd Gen model could mean you miss out on things like Lossless Audio for the Vision Pro or better dust resistance.
The AirPods Pro 1 (2019): Where it all started
Released in late October 2019, the original AirPods Pro were a massive jump from the standard "long stem" AirPods. They introduced the silicone tips and, more importantly, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
Technically, there are two versions of the Gen 1.
The first batch came with a standard Wireless Charging Case. In 2021, Apple did a quiet update. They kept the earbuds exactly the same but swapped the case for a MagSafe-compatible one. If you have a pair from 2020, they won't stick to a MagSafe puck. If you bought them in early 2022, they will.
- Model Numbers: A2084, A2083.
- Case Port: Lightning.
- Chip: H1.
These are mostly discontinued now, but you’ll see them all over eBay and Back Market. They’re still decent, though the ANC is nowhere near what the newer ones can do.
The AirPods Pro 2: The most confusing generation
This is where people get tripped up. Apple released the 2nd Generation in September 2022. Then, almost exactly a year later, they "updated" it.
Most people call them "AirPods Pro 2 Lightning" and "AirPods Pro 2 USB-C."
It wasn't just a port change. The USB-C version (released in 2023) actually has better dust resistance (IP54 vs the original IPX4) and a different acoustic architecture that allows for Lossless Audio when paired with the Apple Vision Pro. If you’re a spec-head, the USB-C version is effectively "Gen 2.5."
Why the 2nd Gen was a big deal
It introduced the H2 chip. This made the noise canceling twice as strong as the original. You also got the speaker on the case—which is a lifesaver when you lose them in the couch—and that little lanyard loop on the side.
The New Kid: AirPods Pro 3 (2025)
Released in September 2025, the AirPods Pro 3 changed the game by moving into health tech. If you’re looking at these, you’ll notice the case is slightly smaller and the ear tips have been redesigned. They actually have a layer of soft foam inside the silicone now.
The biggest shift? Heart rate sensing.
The Pro 3 can track your heart rate during workouts directly through your ear canal. It also debuted "Live Translation," which uses Apple Intelligence to translate five languages in real-time right into your ear.
- Chip: Upgraded H2 (with better efficiency).
- Port: USB-C only.
- Key Feature: IP57 rating (the most durable yet).
Breaking down the "Stealth" versions
To keep it simple, here is how the timeline actually looks if you’re trying to identify which ones you’re holding:
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- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) - 2019: Lightning case, no MagSafe.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) - 2021 Refresh: Same buds, but the case now has MagSafe.
- AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) - 2022: H2 chip, Lightning port, case has a speaker.
- AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) - 2023 Refresh: USB-C port, Lossless Audio support, IP54 dust resistance.
- AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) - 2025: Heart rate sensors, Live Translation, IP57 rating.
How to tell what you actually have
Flip the lid open and look at the tiny text inside the earbud or under the lid of the case.
If the model number is A2084, you’ve got the originals. If it starts with A30 (like A3047 or A3064), you’re looking at the more modern 2nd or 3rd Gen versions.
Another "quick check" is the bottom of the case. If there are small holes for a speaker next to the charging port, it’s at least a 2nd Gen. No holes? It’s a 1st Gen. If there is a lanyard loop on the right side, it's definitely not a 1st Gen.
Which one should you buy right now?
Honestly, unless you're a hardcore athlete who needs the heart rate tracking of the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C version) is the "sweet spot" for most people in 2026.
The Pro 2 USB-C often goes on sale for around $189 to $199. The Pro 3 is usually stuck at the $249 MSRP. The jump in noise cancellation from the 1st Gen to the 2nd Gen was massive, but the jump from 2nd to 3rd is more about "extra" features rather than just pure sound quality.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your model number: Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Tap the "i" next to your AirPods to see the exact model.
- Verify your charging: If you have a 2nd Gen Lightning model, you can actually buy a standalone USB-C MagSafe case from Apple if you want to switch cables, but it won't give you the Lossless Audio feature—that's built into the buds themselves.
- Clean your sensors: If you have the Pro 3, make sure to wipe the ear tips regularly. Debris can mess with the heart rate sensor's accuracy.