José Adorno
Apple is set to release AirPods Pro 2 in 2022. This new generation is rumored
to bring a new design, innovative Lossless support, as well as fitness sensors
for the first time. Head below as we round up the latest rumors about this
product.
AirPods Pro 2 to feature new form factor
By the beginning of 2022, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that AirPods Pro
2 would feature a new form factor design closer to the 2021 Beats Fit Pro.
With that, these wireless earbuds would lose their sterns by likely featuring
an in-ear wingtip design.
If thatâs the case, AirPodsâ charging case would also be tweaked. Rumors
believe it will remain 21mm thick, while it will be 46mm tall and 54mm wide.
For comparisonâs sake, the current AirPods Pro charging case measures 45.2mm
tall and 60.6mm wide.
As of now, no leaker or analyst predicted new colors for the AirPods Pro 2,
although itâs likely that Apple will maintain only a white version of the
product.
Features
Lossless support
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was also the first to report that Apple is planning to
bring Lossless support to the AirPods Pro 2. He wrote back in January:
âWe expect Apple to launch AirPods Pro 2 in 4Q22 with new selling points,
including a new form factor design, support for Apple Lossless (ALAC) format,
and a charging case that can emit a sound for users to track. We are optimistic
about the demand for AirPods Pro 2 and estimate shipments will reach 18â20mn
units in 2022â.
By the end of 2021, AirPodsâ creator addressed the limitations of Bluetooth
in an interview.
Gary Geaves, Appleâs VP of Acoustics, has said that Apple would really like a
wireless standard that allows for more bandwidth.
âObviously the wireless technology is critical for the content delivery that
you talk about,â he says, âso we have to concentrate very hard on squeezing
the most that we can out of the Bluetooth technology, and thereâs a number of
tricks we can play to maximize or get around some of the limits of Bluetooth.
But itâs fair to say that we would like more bandwidth and⦠Iâll stop
right there. We would like more bandwidthâ, he smiles.
If analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is right, Apple is probably adopting a new standard to
offer Lossless support with AirPods Pro 2.
Health sensors
Kuo also believes that âAirPods may support health management functions in
the future,â corroborating previous reports.
A study led by Apple shows how AirPods could be used to monitor respiratory
rate.
The study found that this audio can be a âviable signal for passively
estimatingâ respiratory rates, also making it a more cost-effective way of
doing so compared to traditional healthcare.
Bloombergâs Mark Gurman also believes that Airpods Pro 2 will have new
fitness tracking features:
âApple has been testing a new design with an even shorter stern or no stern
at all, plus new motion sensor for fitnessâ.
In addition, it would not be as surprising if Apple adds health-tracking
features as an indie developer released an app that tells whether your posture
is good using AirPodsâ sensors.
Pretty neat, right?
Lightning connector
In May, Kuo predicted that the AirPods Pro 2 charging case will still feature a
Lightning port for charging, dashing hopes for a switchover to USB-C this year.
Kuo reported earlier this month that Apple is currently testing the iPhone 15
with a USB-C port for charging. The analyst also predicted that when (or if)
the iPhone switches to USB-C charging, Apple will also transition AirPods and
other accessories to USB-C.
When will Apple release AirPods Pro 2?
The original AirPods Pro were first released by the end of 2019. Ming-Chi Kuo
believes that AirPods Pro 2 are expected to enter mass production during the
second half of the year. He also notes that AirPods Pro 2 will be manufactured
in Vietnam, signaling a reduction in Appleâs reliance on China.
This comes after the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple has informed some
of its suppliers that it wants to shift production from China to hubs in
Vietnam and India.
Previously, Kuo said AirPods Pro 2 would launch around Q4 of 2022, meaning the
product could see the light of day around September-November, depending on
Appleâs plan to announce this product alongside new iPhones, Mac, or iPads.
How much will AirPods Pro 2 cost?
As of now, rumors donât account for AirPods Pro 2 pricing. Currently, the
first generation costs $249. If Apple adds new health sensors to this product +
Lossless support, itâs likely that Apple could increase its price tag up to
$50.
Itâs also important to take a look at the companyâs strategy with AirPods 3.
Kuo described it as a âfailed product segmentation strategy,â by saying
Apple will likely discontinue AirPods Pro when launching the new model.
âAirPods 3 orders for 2-3Q22 have been cut by 30%+. Due to the failed product
segmentation strategy, demand for AirPods 3 is significantly weaker than for
AirPods 2. AirPods Pro may get discontinued after Apple launches AirPods Pro 2
in 2H22 to avoid repeating the same mistakeâ.
Wrap-up
Thereâs a lot to be excited about the new AirPods Pro 2. If rumors turn out
to be true, expect Lossless playback, a new form factor, and health and fitness
sensors.
That said, if you donât think youâll need all of these features, this could
be the perfect moment to buy the original AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and even
Appleâs 20W charger.
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