The AirPods Pro are Apple’s answer to premium wireless headphones, offering a better fit, active noise cancellation, Dolby Atmos audio support, and more, but even headphones as capable as the AirPods Pro may seem dated, and fans are starting to think about the new generation of AirPods Pro 2.
Although there are disputes over the proposed changes, the new AirPods Pro could feature an even smaller design along with improved ANC capabilities and even fitness tracking when they launch in late 2022. Here’s everything you have to know.
You might also want to know which are the best headphones available.
When will the AirPods Pro 2 be released?
Ming-chi Kuo suggested in June 2021 that the AirPods Pro 2 would go on sale in 2022, without mentioning a specific release date or window.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also suggests that the second-generation AirPods Pro will go on sale in 2022, although like Kuo he didn’t provide any sort of launch window.
However, while leaker @LeaksApplePro agreed with Kuo’s timeline, that has since changed. In an October 2021 tweet, the leaker now suggests that the AirPods Pro 2 might not appear until Q3 2022, although he gave no reason for the alleged delay.
Twitter leaker @FrontTron later backed up this claim, also suggesting the high-end headset has been delayed until Q3 2022. While this is worth taking with a pinch of salt, it’s worth noting that @FrontTron has a decent track record, correctly predicting the release of the third generation of AirPods.
Ming-Chi Kuo also updated his December 2021 prediction, and now also thinks we’ll see the new AirPods Pro at the end of 2022.
This lines up with a DigiTimes report from early 2022, which suggests AirPods chip vendors are starting to ramp up production ahead of a new product launch later this year.
Last to weigh in was analyst @Dylandkt on Twitter, who has a pretty good track record when it comes to Apple predictions. According to the analyst, the AirPods Pro 2 are “on track to release in the fall,” possibly alongside the new M2-equipped iPad Pro.
So with all of that in mind, it looks like we won’t be seeing the AirPods Pro 2 until Q3 2022, which runs from July 1 to September 30 at Apple.
While that might be disappointing, the good news is that AirPods 3 are now available to order if you can’t wait to get your hands on a new pair of Apple-branded headphones.
How much will the AirPods Pro 2 cost?
The good news – if you can call it good news given the high price of the headphones – is that Apple intends to keep the price of the AirPods Pro 2 at the same price of $239 or $249 as the AirPods Pro headphones. ‘origin. This makes sense given the popularity of the AirPods Pro, which even almost two years after its launch continue to attract the public with such a high price.
We’ve rounded up the best true wireless headphones if you’re looking for something cheaper and, you know, available to buy right now.
AirPods Pro 2 Design Rumors
Apple’s updated AirPods 3 have a similar design to the first-generation AirPods Pro, so it makes sense that Apple is willing to switch things up in its Pro line to keep things distinct. A Bloomberg report from late 2020 highlights potential design changes for upcoming Pro shoots.
According to the post, Apple is looking to make the AirPods Pro 2 even more compact, possibly removing the stem that houses the beamforming microphones and other smart technologies. If Apple goes ahead with the redesign, the AirPods Pro 2 could look similar in shape to the footless Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro or the second-generation Google Pixel Buds.
In fact, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the form factor could be similar to the (Apple-owned) Beats Studio Buds.
The problem, it seems, is fitting all the necessary technology into an even smaller design, as Apple would struggle to fit the various antennas, microphones, and technologies into a standless AirPods chassis. This could have implications for overall design plans, depending on how it plays out in the months to come.
It’s also said that the AirPods Pro 2 charging case could be slightly slimmer and taller, measuring 46mm tall and 54mm wide respectively, compared to the current case’s 45.2mm x 60.6mm dimensions. , but it probably won’t be noticeable unless you put the two cases side by side.
AirPods Pro 2 feature rumors
There aren’t many details on what new tech and features the AirPods Pro 2 might offer, but hopefully they’ll have the same basic features — like ANC, transparency mode, and audio support. Dolby Atmos support – only the first generation.
The case will also almost certainly include support for MagSafe charging, retroactively added to the first generation AirPods Pro after it was introduced in the AirPods 3.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that the second-generati on AirPods Pro could include motion sensors to improve fitness tracking features, though it’s unclear whether this is a result of the earbuds’ hardware or the iOS software.
Ming-Chi Kuo also thinks the headphones will offer fitness tracking technology with specific sensors, although he suggests it won’t be as advanced as what the Apple Watch offers.
The patents suggest that Apple may be working on a new optical transmission technology, which would overcome the limitations of Bluetooth’s bandwidth issues. Patent artwork shows its use with rumored AR/VR headsets slated for release in late 2022, but it would also work well with AirPods Pro 2, finally enabling true lossless audio streaming.
However, there are a few downsides, mainly when it comes to range. While Bluetooth’s range is impressive, the optical transmission technology requires the transmitter to be in line of sight with the receiver, which means it wouldn’t work with an iPhone in your pocket. The patent contemplates the possibility of using Bluetooth as a backup, but that would defeat the purpose of hi-res audio playback.
On the other hand, Twitter leaker @LeaksApplePro suggests that the 2nd Gen headphones won’t be much improved, stating that there will only be slight improvements in battery life and noise cancellation, and compares it to the minimum upgrade between the first and second generation AirPods.
We’ll update this article with more information as we receive it, so check back often. Are you waiting for the next generation AirPods? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram.
Original article published in English on our sister site TechAdvisor UK.
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