Apple seems to be doing this a lot lately: Taking an already excellent, hugely successful product like the iPhone ( $1,000 at Amazon ) -- or in this the case, the AirPods ( $219 at Amazon ) -- and offering little in the way of external alterations but updating its internals, enhancing the device but...

The second-generation AirPods add a couple of small but key improvements to the original, including always-on voice recognition and a wireless charging case option; They're a top-notch headset for making calls, indoors and out.

No design changes to help them fit more ears securely; their sound hasn't improved, and their open design allows for a lot of ambient noise to leak in

Mashable Choice highlights the best of everything we cover, have experienced first-hand and would recommend to others. People love Apple's AirPods . I know this because I can't walk down the street or ride the subway or go anywhere without spotting the striking white "stems" poking out of peoples'...

Slightly longer battery life (for talk time; Hands-free 'Hey Siri' voice controls; Faster switching between Apple devices; Optional wireless charging case

No sound quality improvements; Wireless charging case version costs an extra $40; No improvements to battery life for music

Apple's updated AirPods don't pack many thrilling upgrades, but the improvements they did get make for more seamless, convenient use. Because of that, little about the new AirPods are worth the upgrade for existing owners - that is, of course, unless their batteries are starting to go south.

The new AirPods are an incremental upgrade to an already excellent, fully wireless headphone, but sound quality, design and fit are basically the same.

The second-generation AirPods add a couple of small but key improvements to the original, including always-on voice recognition and a wireless charging case option. They're a top-notch headset for making calls, indoors and out.

No design changes to help them fit more ears securely; their sound hasn't improved, and their open design allows for a lot of ambient noise to leak in.

AirPods work great. I bought this bundle to get the rose gold version. Color is no where close to rose gold - more like mauve or lilac.

Really, the Airpods 2 could easily be seen as AirPods v1.5 because Apple hasn't touched the overall design or sound capabilities at all. Heck, there isn't even a new colour to show you've got the new model.

Quick to charge using the included case; Now offers Hey Siri for voice control; Easy to connect thanks to H1 chip

Not great in noisy environments; The same polarising design; Many premium competitors; Can fall out; Expensive

Mocked upon release, AirPods have since become one of Apple's most recognisable products. With the AirPods 2 (or AirPods 2019), the Cupertino brand isn't straying too far from a formula that it feels clearly works.

Great battery life and charging case; Wireless charging a nice addition; Fantastic connection

Doesn't address problems with the first-gen product; Wireless charging case costs extra; Fit might be dodgy for some

The second-gen AirPods are a great iterative upgrade, offering improved connection speed, talk time and Hey Siri support alongside optional wireless charging support, although a lack of improvements in the audio department will leave audiophiles wanting more.

The AirPods are still arguably among the best all-round true wireless earbuds, especially if you’re a happy resident in Apple’s ecosystem. They’re so fast and reliable that it’s still hard to imagine anyone not being converted. However, if you're not of the iPhone persuasion you might want to look at something like the excellent Samsung Galaxy buds, which do offer noise isolation. The AirPods are now more enticing than ever, but those still rocking the first model might find it hard to justify the upgrade, especially as the wireless charging case is compatible with both generations. While the improved battery life and hands-free Siri experience afforded by the H1 chip are handy enhancements, £160 (or £200 if you want wireless) is a lot of money just to save you a double tap. Although they fall some way short of being the perfect evolution, the 2019 AirPods are better than ever. Who’s laughing now?

H1 chip is super speedy; Hands-free Siri works well; Wireless charging; Very few performance issues ;

Still no noise isolation ; Expensive ; Unspectacular audio; Don’t fit all ears ;

The second-generation AirPods are simple yet great wireless earphones that are a pleasure to use

Great battery life and charging case; Wireless charging a nice addition; Fantastic connection;

Doesn’t address problems with the first-gen product; Wireless charging case costs extra; Fit might be dodgy for some;