Apple AirPods have led the truly-wireless earphone industry and maintained their crown ever since their release in late 2016. The changes introduced in AirPods 2 don't shake the boat, but help AirPods maintain their lead.
Retaining the same design means that everyone who loved the fit and feel of the first-generation AirPods will be right at home. This also means that they will be just as frustrating for people whose ears are incompatible with the EarPod-style earbud.
Assuming you buy the $199 model, the AirPods Charging Case are different than what we had before. The pinhole LED moves from inside the lid, to the front face, so you can see the charging status when laid down on a wireless charging pad, although it does sort-of ruin the seamless plastic aesthetic. The wireless charging case is a touch heavier than the normal case, as it houses the necessary components for Qi charging, and has a redesigned hinge.
The wireless charging case definitely exists to complete the AirPower story, but the novel hasn't been published yet which throws a spanner in the vision. It will be really nice to lay down a phone, the Apple Watch and the AirPods at night and not have to worry about anything.
Second-generation AirPods fix pain points. The core appeal of AirPods is unchanged and as good as ever. If you’ve been on the fence, now is a great time to jump in. Existing AirPods customers should probably wait until their current pair die out before buying the new model.