Apple has announced a new version of its AirPods earphones, which will include noise-cancelling technology for the first time.
The US$249 AirPods Pro will be the first Apple-made earphones to include noise-cancelling, which uses built-in microphones to filter out background noise when being used. They will go on sale in the US on 30 October.
Apple said the AirPods Pro will also include what it calls Transparency Mode, which allows users to hear sounds from the world around them — such as traffic or transport announcements, while also listening to audio.
As part of a redesign to the earphones, they will now come with changeable, soft ear tips for the first time, Apple said.
The wireless earphones were first introduced in 2016, with a second generation that also came with a wireless-charging compatible case introduced earlier this year. Apple confirmed the new AirPods Pro would also come with the wireless charging case.
Cable-free earphones have become increasingly popular products for major smartphone and tech brands — companies including Huawei, Google, Samsung and Microsoft have all released or are planning to launch their own versions of wireless earphones.