Apple is expected to release the AirPods Pro 2 alongside the iPhone 14 this fall. This new high-end true wireless earbuds feature several improvements over its predecessor, and not just in terms of the music/audio experience. A recent report claimed that the AirPods Pro 2 will feature heart rate and monitors, hearing aid functionality, and a USB-C port instead of Lightning connectivity.
Another leaker, LeaksApplePro, confirmed twice that his sources said the news is accurate. It is reported that the new AirPods Pro 2 will introduce USB-C connectivity before next year’s iPhone 15 is expected to switch to USB-C.
Images posted by I Love Audio Network a few days ago show an alleged AirPods Pro 2 design, including a USB-C case that will have extra features. The shape of the
headphones themselves will not change, with the same rod-shaped design used by Apple in all AirPods models. The headphones will only be available in white.
But the AirPods Pro 2 case will have a speaker on the bottom next to the USB-C port. The earphone case will work with Apple ’s Find My app, allowing users to find their lost AirPods. The speaker itself can also help users find lost cases by sound, just like AirTags and other Apple devices.
While the Find My feature is important, the AirPods Pro 2's switch from Lightning to USB-C may be even more important. It indicates that Apple will soon bring USB-C connectivity to the iPhone. Although it is unlikely to change the interface for the iPhone 14, which will be released in a few months, next year's model may have this interface.
This is because governments either want to make USB-C the new standard for wired charging (US and Brazil ) or have already done so ( EU ). When that happens, Apple will move all of its iPhone accessories to USB-C, including the AirPods Pro 2. However, since Apple doesn't release new AirPods Pro models every year, it would make sense for Apple to introduce the USB-C port to the AirPods Pro 2 before the iPhone 15 gets it.
In addition to the USB-C connection, the AirPods Pro 2 charging case will bring another design change. It may feature a microphone to help enable new hearing aid features. However, LeaksApplePro says he can't confirm this feature at this time. But the AirPods Pro 2 should offer audio improvements, with the headphones coming with better drivers and a high-dynamic-range amplifier. In addition, AirPods Pro 2 will continue to retain spatial audio, with dynamic head tracking, adaptive equalization and audio sharing, just like the current model.
It is a new version of the H1 chip that provides computing power for the AirPods Pro 2 generation. It is unclear whether Apple will give it a new name.
Finally, the leaker noted that AirPods Pro 2 will use a custom codec that improves wireless data transfer between iPhone and AirPods . This would allow Apple to bypass current Bluetooth restrictions. If the feature is ready, Apple could add lossless audio support to AirPods for the first time. The leaker
speculates that the new AirPods Pro 2 should retail for between $249 and $299, and considering the current inflation situation, a price increase may be necessary.
