Apple is expected to release the AirPods Pro 2 alongside the iPhone 14 this fall. The new high-end true wireless earphones offer several improvements over their predecessors, and not just in the music/audio experience. A recent report claims that the AirPods Pro 2 will feature a heart rate monitor, hearing aid functionality and a USB-C port instead of a Lightning connection.
Another leaker, LeaksApplePro, confirmed twice, which his source said was accurate, that the new AirPods Pro 2 will reportedly introduce a USB-C connection ahead of next year’s iPhone 15 expected to switch to USB-C.
Images posted by I Love Audio a few days ago show the so-called AirPods Pro 2 design, including a USB-C case that will have extra functionality.
The shape of the earphones themselves will not change, featuring the same rod-shaped design that Apple uses in all AirPods models, and the earphones will only be available in white.
But the case for the AirPods Pro 2 will have a speaker next to the USB-C port on the bottom. The case will work with Apple’s Find My app, enabling 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 transition from Lightning to USB-C maybe even more important. It heralds that Apple will soon bring USB-C connectivity to the iPhone as well, and while it’s unlikely for the iPhone 14, which is due to be released in a few months, it’s possible that next year’s models will have the port.
This is because governments either want to make USB-C the new standard for wired charging (US and Brazil) or already do so (EU). When that happens, Apple will therefore 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 makes sense for Apple to bring 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 said he could not confirm the feature at this time.
But the AirPods Pro 2 should offer audio improvements, and the earphones will feature better drivers and a high dynamic range amplifier. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 will continue to retain spatial audio, with dynamic head tracking, adaptive equalization, and audio sharing, just like the current model.
Powering the AirPods Pro 2 is a new version of the H1 chip, and it’s unclear if Apple will give it a new name.
Finally, the leaker points out that the AirPods Pro 2 will feature a custom codec that improves wireless data transfer between the iPhone and AirPods. This would allow Apple to bypass current Bluetooth restrictions. If the feature is ready, Apple could add a lossless audio support to AirPods for the first time.
The leaker speculates that the new AirPods Pro 2 should retail between $249 and $299, a price increase that may be necessary given the current inflation situation.
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