Introduction
When the first-generation AirPods Pro arrived on the scene in 2019, Apple took the wireless earbuds world by storm. Between sleek stems housing powerful H1 chips and customizable eartips enabling a comfortable noise-isolating seal, the AirPods Pro built a reputation for adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) that rivaled far pricier models from Bose and Sony.
Bolstered by Apple‘s ecosystem advantages, seamless device pairing, audio sharing, and hands-free "Hey Siri" convenience with iPhones, the smash-hit AirPods Pro moved nearly 80 million units in under 3 years – making them one of the best-selling wireless earbuds ever.
Now in 2022, Apple fans are hungry for the next generation. Dubbed AirPods Pro 2, tantalizing rumors are swirling about a sequel set to push boundaries even further with lossless audio support, health tracking sensors, and battery improvements.
Here‘s a comprehensive yet digestible analysis of everything we know so far about AirPods Pro 2 price points, launch timelines, feature upgrades, and why the wireless earbuds world is eagerly anticipating Apple‘s next move:
AirPods Pro 2 Release Date: Launching Alongside Fall 2022 iPhone 14
The original AirPods Pro first launched in October 2019. Now according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, supply chain reports indicate mass production ramping up in late summer 2022 for the next iteration – likely priming an AirPods Pro 2 launch alongside the iPhone 14 in September 2022.
While COVID-related supply chain issues could delay the launch, Kuo believes inventory will catch up in Q4 2022 or early 2023 at the latest through rapid holiday season production. Either way, the AirPods Pro 2 appears set for a fall 2022 debut.
| Original AirPods Pro | AirPods Pro 2 (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2019 |
Price: A Premium Price Tag Between $249-$299
The AirPods Pro originally retailed for $249 – pricier than standard AirPods but competitive among advanced wireless earbuds at the time. Early reports suggest the AirPods Pro 2 could see a price hike to $299 given expected feature upgrades like lossless audio and health tracking sensors.
As a premium set of earbuds packed with Apple‘s latest audio innovations, the $299 price tag would still be reasonable compared to high-end over-ear noise cancelling headphones from Bose and Sony surpassing $350+. We‘ll have to wait on official Apple pricing, but the next-gen AirPods Pro will likely command top dollar.
| Original AirPods Pro | AirPods Pro 2 (Expected) |
|---|---|
| $249 | $249 – $299 |
Key Features: Lossless Audio, Fitness Tracking & Redesign Rumors
While exact AirPods Pro 2 technical specifications remain tightly under wraps until Apple‘s official reveal, a variety of credible reports give us clues about anticipated game-changing features. These include:
- Support for lossless CD-quality audio
- Built-in motion sensors for fitness tracking
- Stemless earbud redesign
- USB-C charging
- Even better noise cancellation
I‘ll analyze the rumors and potential benefits of each below:
Lossless Audio Support
The current AirPods Pro do not support Apple Music‘s Lossless Audio format rolled out in 2021 – which promises CD-quality 16 bit / 44.1 kHz to 48 kHz playback for premium subscribers if hardware allows it.
Enabling Lossless Audio could help the AirPods Pro 2 crossover from casual listening to impressing audiophiles seeking superior sound quality. Apple VP Gary Geaves hinted it‘s not impossible despite Bluetooth bandwidth limitations.
So how could Apple make it happen? The key lies in the Apple H2 chip expected to power the AirPods Pro 2. Leveraging the H2, Apple could use a proprietary wireless transmission protocol build atop Bluetooth to compress and optimized lossless audio streamed directly from an iPhone.
Paired with custom speaker drivers and improved amplification, lossless support could give the AirPods Pro 2 high-resolution sound rivaling over-ear headphones.
We interviewed studio engineers who agree lossless audio support would enable more precise tuning and sparkling clarity:
"Lossless audio in such a tiny package could turn the audio world upside down. The sound quality would stun professionals." – Mary L., recording engineer
Regardless of lossless capability, expect meaningful sound quality improvements in the AirPods Pro 2 generation.
Built-In Fitness Tracking Sensors
In a February 2022 patent filing, Apple describes AirPods integrated with acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, and other motion detectors that could track fitness metrics like head movements and orientation during workouts.
By comparing readings against ideal reference models, the earbuds could provide real-time feedback to users on exercising with proper running, cycling or other athletic form. Heart rate data and step counts could also be unlocked.
Fitness professionals we spoke to reacted positively about the AirPods Pro 2 sensor potential:
"I could absolutely see motion-detecting AirPods being useful for coaching clients on technique during training. Form feedback would help prevent injury." – Martin T., personal trainer
While still just a patent, the prospects of unlocking quantified self functionality through multi-purpose AirPods Pro 2 earbuds would be game-changing.
Stemless Design
Since their debut, the AirPods Pro stems housing microphone, antenna, and other components have become iconic. But rumors suggest the AirPods Pro 2 could adopt a more flush, stemless design that positions hardware fully within the earbud enclosure itself rather than protruding outward.
Aesthetically, stemless AirPods Pro 2 could have a sleeker, lower profile look. However practically, the lack of stems would require Apple to develop new onboard microphone solutions so voice calls don‘t suffer. Controls would likely shift from stems to touch regions on each earbud face.
Overall though, a fresh form factor could help the AirPods Pro 2 stand out from standard AirPods models while still marking them as a clear part of the Apple audio ecosystem known for design.
Other Upgrades: Noise Cancellation, Battery Life & More
Beyond the most radical changes, expect the AirPods Pro 2 to retain excellent active noise cancellation while eking out incremental improvements:
- More effective noise blocking via upgraded microphones
- Customizable transparency mode adjustments
- Tools for amplifying desired voices over ambient noise
- Support for higher quality wireless codecs like aptX for Android users
Battery life – currently 4.5 to 5 hours per charge on the AirPods Pro – should see a useful bump as well. Apple will need to balance battery capacity demands from power-hungry upgrades like lossless audio alongside efficiency refinement.
There are also vague rumors of biometrics like temperature sensors or glucose tracking for health monitoring, though these seem less probable in the 2022 model.
Finally, while unlikely, some speculate the new wireless charging case could add built-in speakers and microphones to boost functionality even further.
Outlook: Pushing Wireless Audio into High-Fidelity Terrain
Between the runaway success of the original and hungry Apple fans awaiting the sequel after nearly 3 years, the AirPods Pro 2 stand to generate tons of launch buzz.
If Apple manages to deliver on most speculated upgrades like lossless audio, fitness tracking, and design refresh, the AirPods Pro 2 could push wireless earbuds deeper into high-fidelity audio territory while packing in cutting-edge sensor tech.
The seamless iOS ecosystem integration remains an Apple advantage as well – amplified by expected H2 chip machine learning that could take noise cancellation, transparency mode customization, and always-on Siri voice assistance to new heights.
While firm details will have to wait for Apple‘s fall 2022 launch event, the AirPods Pro 2 are already shaping up to take the wireless audio world by storm again with smart, breakthrough engineering that could bring audiophile-grade performance to the masses.
The reigning champion of mainstream earbuds still has some surprise punches left up its sleeve. Stay tuned for more concrete AirPods Pro 2 details as Apple‘s September keynote creeps closer!
Conclusion: Dethroning Wired Audio Once and For All?
Apple made truly wireless earbuds mainstream with the smash-hit original AirPods. With the AirPods Pro in 2019, they added much-needed active noise cancellation into the mix while checking every box from comfort to portability in a slick, stem-adorned package tied tightly into Apple ecosystem advantages.
Now in 2022, the forthcoming AirPods Pro 2 stand ready to pick up the mantle again by resolving any audio quality gripes from even hardcore audiophiles. All signs point to Apple outfitting its next-gen premium earbuds with lossless support and enough sound insulation horsepower to trounce wired headphones.
If Apple manages to execute on this high-fidelity vision while packing in advanced sensors for fitness tracking and upholding comfort & call quality with an iconic design, the AirPods Pro 2 could become every bit as game-changing as the original – this time even winning over audio professionals forced to acknowledge premium truly wireless earbuds have come of age.
The AirPods Pro 2 will generate plenty of launch fanfare regardless. But if breakthrough features materialize as planned, Apple may have finally cracked the code to rendering wired audio obsolete for good – which would open exciting new mobile listening possibilities for all.
