Apple says old and new AirPods Pro ear tips are incompatible because of mesh density

On Sep 23, 2022

A close-up image comparing the ear tips of Apple’s original AirPods Pro and the second-generation model released in 2022. — *The original AirPods Pro tips (left) have denser mesh than the new second-gen tips (right).* | Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

In my review of the new second-generation AirPods Pro, I pointed out that the inner mesh / filter of the ear tips is slightly different than those belonging to the original earbuds. As it turns out, that’s part of why Apple advises against using first-gen tips on the new model and vice versa. As MacRumors noticed, the company has updated its support page on AirPods Pro ear tips with a new section that says “ear tips have been designed specifically for their AirPods Pro generation, to deliver the highest-fidelity audio experience.”

“As a result, use the ear tips that come with your AirPods Pro. AirPods Pro (1st generation) ear tips have noticeably denser mesh than AirPods Pro (2nd generation) ear tips,” Apple’s support site reads.