AirPods Pro 2 | Is This the Real Deal? Sources Say Yes (Here’s What’s New)
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Hi everyone. A few days ago, 52audio posted a couple of renders of what they think will be the AirPods Pro 2.
52audio is very reliable when it comes to these things. In fact, they correctly predicted the AirPods 3 design.
I believe these renders are real, and our sources do too, but this is by far the least Apple-like design I’ve seen in a while.Â
While the design of the AirPods themselves won’t change, the case will get some new features and modifications.
If you look at the images, you’ll see some iPhone-like holes at the bottom of the case. These will enable the Find My features we’ve already reported on.
Missing AirPods are one of the most common issues Apple customers have. I myself was without my AirPods Pro for over a month because I couldn’t find them.
The current way to find AirPods is somewhat useful, but it lacks many features and is sometimes impossible to use. It relies on Bluetooth instead of Apple’s U1 ecosystem and isn’t nearly as accurate as Apple’s.
With this new system, users can locate their AirPods Pro 2 case just like AirTags and make it chime just like AirTags, thanks to some integrated speakers.
I’ve heard that Apple engineers have been working on bringing this technology to the earbuds as well, but it seems that it’s not ready yet. I assume we’ll have to wait for the next generation to get that feature.
The case has a USB-C connector instead of Lightning, which is good news, especially because that means the iPhone 15 lineup will launch with the same connector, as we reported yesterday.
Another interesting thing we can see in the renders from 52audio is a spot for a lanyard on one side. This isn’t something Apple would do, but if 52audio is right, this could be another way for Apple to make money on accessories. We’ll see if it’s right or not.
52audio also said that the AirPods Pro 2 would be able to detect the user’s heart rate, and while I was not able to confirm the authenticity of this claim, it seems plausible.
They also say that the new AirPods Pro 2 will have some sort of hearing aid feature. It says that audio signals “can be collected through the charging case and transmitted to the earphone for sound enhancement and playback.” I asked some sources who should know about this if it were true, but they said they have no idea what it is, so I’d take it with a grain of salt.
The AirPods Pro 2 are expected to launch in the fall along with the new iPhones, and I expect the price to be between $249 and $299. A price increase would make sense, given current inflation, as well as new features that could justify spending a bit more money.
AirPods Pro 2 | More Features + Changes
We have already reported several times that we expect a different codec that will allow for better data transfer from the user’s iPhone to the AirPods Pro 2, allowing for lossless audio support, which is currently not possible due to Bluetooth limitations.
There will also be some audio improvements in the form of better drivers and high dynamic range amplifiers. There will be more features like Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, adaptive equalization, and audio sharing, though these are already available in the current AirPods Pro.
Apple has been working on an updated H1 chip that supports better adaptive noise cancelation and offers more efficient battery life. The name of the new chip is currently unknown, and while it would make sense for it to be called H2, it’s worth remembering that the H1’s predecessor was the W1, so Apple could change the letter if it wants to.
It was previously rumored that the AirPods Pro 2 would come in a redesigned stemless form factor, but according to 52audio, that no longer seems to be the case. I know for a fact that Apple has been working on stemless earbuds, and while I asked my sources if they continue to be a thing, they don’t have a conclusive answer, so I can’t give you any more information on that for now.
Final Thoughts
The AirPods Pro are a great pair of wireless earbuds. The sound is fantastic, the battery used to last many days without charging, the connection to my iPhone is just magical, and as someone who travels a lot, the active noise cancelation is amazing for long plane or train trips. I can’t wait to buy the AirPods Pro 2 because they come with fresh batteries and do what my current AirPods do, only better in every way. And while I would have welcomed a new design, I’m fine with them looking the same as the current ones.
One last thing I’d like to add, since many of you’ve asked about it. They will not come in different colors; not even black, just white. Apple earbuds have always been white, and the Cupertino-based company wants them to stay that way. Apple strives to make products that are easily recognizable. When you see a pair of white earbuds with a long stem, you know they’re AirPods. You see AirPods Max, you know they’re AirPods Max.
The same thing happens with the iPhone. Everyone knows about the iPhone’s notch, and that’s exactly why Apple is going to manufacture the iPhone 14 Pro with a hole-and-pill-shaped notch. Is it totally necessary? Absolutely not. But when you see it, you’ll know it’s an iPhone.
If the AirPods Pro 2 came in different colors, they wouldn’t be as easily recognizable as they are now, and Apple doesn’t want that because part of its marketing strategy is to make it seem like its products are everywhere, and the company needs to produce these things in a way that you’ll notice.
Let me know what you think about all of this and if you plan to buy the AirPods Pro 2 in the comments below! I hope you found this article helpful. As always, have a fantastic day.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
