What to expect from AirPods Pro 2
Again, the AirPods Pro 2 aren’t expected to be a dramatic overhaul compared to the first-generation version. Initially, it was rumored that they could feature a new stemless design with a host of health and fitness tracking features. This design, however, was described as something that would be difficult to achieve given the sheer amount of technology inside each of the AirPods Pro buds. Hence, more recent reports suggest that the AirPods Pro 2 will feature a design that is similar or identical to the first generation. That means we’ll get the same in-ear design with multiple eartip sizes and stems that offer quick access to playback controls. With the design remaining the same, there are two rumored areas of focus for the AirPods Pro 2. First, Apple has reportedly upgraded the charging case to offer a handful of useful new features. First and foremost, the case will likely feature new speaker holes that will integrate with the Find My app. On the side of the AirPods Pro 2 case, there are rumored to be new connectors for attaching straps to the case. Currently, there are many third-party accessories for AirPods Pro that offer a built-in strap, and this represents another way to reduce the chances of losing your AirPods case. Beyond the charging case, the AirPods Pro are said to feature several component upgrades with a focus on higher-quality audio reproduction. Ming-Chi Kuo said the AirPods Pro 2 will be the first of Apple’s AirPods products to offer support for lossless audio playback. According to Kuo, the AirPods Pro 2 will support the Apple Lossless or ALAC format for audio playback. This comes after Apple added support for lossless playback to Apple Music a year ago. As it stands today, none of the current AirPods models support the feature due to Bluetooth limitations. In addition to Kuo’s reports, 9to5Mac’s sources have confirmed that the next-generation AirPods Pro – codenamed B698 – will feature the next version of the H1 chip, Apple’s own audio processor. There is also support for the new LC3 codec, which will improve audio calls, efficiency and stability of Bluetooth devices. These improvements may not sound like significant upgrades, but I think they will all come together to make a significant improvement to the AirPods Pro experience.
9to5Mac’s Take: The AirPods Pro 2 could steal the show
AirPods Pro are one of Apple’s most used products. I love the design, the in-ear fit, the in-stem controls, the deep integration with the Apple ecosystem, and more. But the AirPods Pro as they exist today aren’t perfect. Even beyond a lengthy program of service recalls due to various “audio issues,” there are some quirks that need to be ironed out. AirPods Pro are powered by Apple’s custom H1 chipset, which was first introduced in 2019. Since then, every version of AirPods has been powered by the same H1 chip, including the ultra-premium AirPods Max as well as some Beats products. The rumored H2 chip would mark Apple’s first new audio chip since then, and I have high hopes given the three-year gap between releases. In addition to improvements in sound quality, I’m also hoping for major upgrades in things like stability, battery life, and connection speed. The H1 chip is already a significant improvement over traditional Bluetooth. Therefore, I expect that the combination of an upgraded H2 chip along with the new LC3 Bluetooth codec will be a significant improvement. In addition to upgrades upon upgrades in stability, performance, and sound quality, adding speakers to the AirPods Pro case will be another quality-of-life improvement. If you’ve ever misplaced your AirPods Pro case without your AirPods inside, I’m sure you know that it can be nearly impossible to locate. The ability to “ping” the case from the Find My app will make this process much easier. There are other things on my AirPods Pro 2 wishlist that would be nice surprises. I’d like to see some sort of health or fitness tracking feature. I’m very intrigued by what Apple can do in this space, especially when combined with data from the Apple Watch. Improved durability and longevity are also at the top of my list. AirPods Pro battery life is currently declining at a fairly rapid rate after the first year. And like everyone else, I’d love to see the AirPods Pro switch to USB-C for charging, but that doesn’t look like it’ll happen until next year. Ultimately, while some may be disappointed that the AirPods Pro 2 won’t have a new design, I’m more than happy with what we’re rumored to be getting this year. With how often I use AirPods Pro, the significant quality of life improvements will be more than enough to make me upgrade. In fact, I’d selfishly add that I’d be worried if Apple came up with a major AirPods Pro design, just because the current form factor works so well for me. What are your thoughts on the AirPods Pro 2? Expecting to upgrade this year? Let us know in the comments. FTC: We use affiliate links that automatically earn you income. More. Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
