Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

The airpods pro 1st gen is Apple’s original AirPods Pro, released in 2019. You can spot it by its stemmed earbuds with silicone tips, a force sensor on the stem, and a charging case with a lightning port. Most issues owners run into, like weak battery life or inconsistent noise cancelling, can be traced to fit, firmware or worn-out batteries rather than a hardware fault.

How to Tell If You Have the 1st Generation

Second-generation AirPods Pro look nearly identical from the outside, so check the case. The first generation uses a Lightning port on the bottom of the case. The second generation added a USB-C model and a MagSafe option, though the earlier Lightning version of the second generation also exists. Your model number is printed on the inside of the case lid or the back of the case. Look it up in Apple’s model reference to confirm.

Shopping for one? See our guide: AirPods Pro 3 Case Review: Features, Pros and Cons.

Why Your AirPods Pro 1st Gen Underperform

Owners often report three main problems. The first is battery drain. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time, and charge cycles add up quickly if the case is used daily. The second is noise cancelling that seems weaker than it used to be. This is usually caused by a poor seal, since the tips must sit snugly in the ear canal to block sound. The third is audio dropouts or one earbud cutting out, which often comes down to an outdated firmware version or a dirty microphone or speaker mesh.

What to Do About It

Work through these checks in order before assuming the hardware has failed:

  1. Update firmware by keeping the earbuds in the case near an iPhone that is signed in with the same Apple ID and connected to power.
  2. Clean the mesh openings with a dry, soft brush. Avoid inserting anything sharp into the speaker holes.
  3. Test the fit with each ear tip size. Apple includes small, medium and large tips. A tip that is too small will leak sound and weaken noise cancelling.
  4. Check battery health in Settings under your AirPods name. If the case or earbuds show reduced maximum capacity, a battery service may be the right fix.
  5. Reset the earbuds by holding the case button until the status light flashes amber, then white, and re-pairing them.

If a reset does not resolve dropouts, contact Apple Support. A technician can confirm whether the problem is covered.

What We’d Use

A replacement set of silicone ear tips is a low-cost way to recover a better seal if the originals have hardened or lost shape. Search for View on Amazon to compare sizes.

A protective case helps prevent the dents and cracks that can break the hinge or charging contacts over time. Look for View on Amazon options that fit the lightning case snugly and leave the port accessible.

FAQ

Can I update the firmware on AirPods Pro 1st gen?

Yes. Firmware updates happen automatically when the earbuds are in the case, charging, and near a signed-in iPhone. You do not need a separate app.

Why does one AirPod sound quieter than the other?

Usually the ear tip is not seated evenly, or the mesh is blocked with debris. Clean the openings and reseat the tip before assuming a fault.

Is the 1st gen still worth using?

Many owners continue to use them for calls and music. Battery life and noise cancelling will be lower than newer models, so a battery check is a good first step before deciding whether to replace them. Consult an Apple Authorized Service Provider for repair questions.

Ready to choose one?

Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.