Apple is expected to release the AirPods Pro 2 this fall along with the iPhone 14. These new high-end true wireless headphones offer several improvements over their predecessors, and not just in terms of the music/audio experience. A recent report claims that the AirPods Pro 2 will come with a heart rate monitor, hearing aid capabilities, and a USB-C port instead of a Lightning connection.
Another leaker, LeaksApplePro, confirmed a second time that his source claims the news is accurate, with the new AirPods Pro 2 reportedly introducing USB-C connectivity ahead of the iPhone 15’s expected switch to USB-C next year.
I love audio.com posted images a few days ago showing the so-called AirPods Pro 2 design, including the USB-C case that will have additional features.
The shape of the headphones themselves will not change, featuring the same bar design that Apple uses in all AirPods models, which will only be available in white.
However, the AirPods Pro 2 case will have a speaker at the bottom next to the USB-C port. The case will work with Apple’s Find My app, which allows users to find 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 conversion from Lightning to USB-C is probably even more important. It signals that Apple will soon bring USB-C connectivity to the iPhone as well, and while the switch is unlikely for the iPhone 14, which will be released in a few months, next year’s model may have the 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 this happens, Apple will therefore move all of its iPhone accessories to USB-C, including the AirPods Pro 2. However, since Apple doesn’t release a new AirPods Pro model every year, it makes sense for Apple to introduce the AirPods Pro 2 before the iPhone 15 gets a USB-C port.
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 the new hearing aid feature. 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, the AirPods Pro 2 will continue to retain spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, adaptive equalization and audio sharing, just like the current model.
Providing the math for the AirPods Pro 2 generation is a new version of the H1 chip, and it’s unclear if Apple will give it a new name.
Finally, the leaker notes that the AirPods Pro 2 will feature a custom codec that will improve wireless data transmission between the iPhone and AirPods. This will allow Apple to bypass the current Bluetooth restrictions. If the feature is ready, Apple could add lossless audio support to AirPods for the first time.
Leakers speculate that the new AirPods Pro 2 should retail for between $249 and $299, a price increase that may be necessary given the current state of inflation.
