Apple‘s AirPods Pro, first released in October 2019, quickly became one of the company‘s most popular accessories ever. The wireless earbuds‘ active noise canceling technology, customizable fit, sweat resistance, and convenient charging case resonated with consumers. To date, analysts estimate over 30 million AirPods Pro units have been sold globally.
Now in 2022, tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the next generation – the rumored AirPods Pro 2. You likely have questions about what design changes or feature upgrades to expect from Apple‘s premium earbuds. As an industry analyst closely following the latest leaks and supply chain developments across consumer tech, let me provide an in-depth preview of everything known so far about the upcoming AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods Pro 2 Expected Release Date
Reliable Apple product predictor Ming-Chi Kuo first forecasted a late 2022 release timeframe for the AirPods Pro 2 back in January 2022. His estimate lines up with a typical 18-24 month upgrade cycle timeline given the original AirPods Pro launched in October 2019.
Digging deeper into supply chain reports, component manufacturers like ASE Technology have been tapped to ramp up production of SiP (system-in-package) modules during Q2 2022. This timeline supports a Fall 2022 mass production schedule for the final earbud assemblies.
I believe a September-October target for AirPods Pro 2 unveiling alongside the upcoming iPhone 14 models is highly likely given historical seasonal product release patterns by Apple.
For context, here is how Apple has interspersed prior AirPod and iPhone launches over the past several years:
| Product | Initial Release Date |
|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | September 2021 |
| AirPods 3 | October 2021 |
| iPhone 12 | October 2020 |
| AirPods Pro | October 2019 |
| iPhone 11 | September 2019 |
While not guaranteed, Apple announcing the next AirPods Pro in September 2022 would align with typical alternating iPhone/AirPod upgrade cycles for flagship products.
Of course, supply chain disruptions or unexpected development delays could always push back the concrete release date. But based on available intelligence, the AirPods Pro 2 remains on track for a fall 2022 debut to satisfy eager upgraders and audio enthusiasts.
Expected Design Changes
The design of the original AirPods Pro stands out for its silicone ear tips for a customizable in-ear fit while the protruding stems hold microphones, antennas, and touch-based gesture controls.
Reports indicate Apple is exploring more compact stemless or nearly stemless designs for AirPods Pro 2 that eliminate the outward sticking appendages. By potentially moving components like antennas directly into the earbud housing, the streamlined look may provide a more integrated aesthetic resembling ear plugs.
In fact, an Apple patent filing for “Stemless wireless earbuds having multiple microphones” depicts an all-in-one driver enclosure absent of any stem:
Apple stemless earbuds patent first filed in 2020, via PatentlyApple.com
Additionally, tear downs of Apple supplier Knowles’ new Balanced Armature Receiver reveal a highly compact speaker well suited for stemless earbud designs.
By eliminating stems, Apple could reshape the gestural control mechanisms that users now press on the stems to toggle noise cancellation, transparency mode, play/pause music, and call requests. Capacitive touch sensors directly on each earbud or perhaps taps/swipes on the outer portion of the ear could replace functions previously activated through the stems.
Alternate rumors point to “retractable arms” that can withdraw inside the bud itself when not needed. This concept may allow minimized protrusions while retaining their utility for housing components like microphones.
Here is a comparison of the possibilities based on current leaked info:
| Design Element | Original AirPods Pro | AirPods Pro 2 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Stems | Fixed | Retractable or Fully Removed |
| Earbuds Shape | Oval | More Round, Ear Plug-Like |
| Size | 21.8 x 16.5 x 7.9 mm | 15-20% Smaller |
| Charging Case | 21.3 x 45.2 x 60.6 mm | Slightly Thinner |
| Charging Case Speakers | ❌ | ✅ |
| Charging Case Microphones | ❌ | ✅ |
In my opinion, the stemless design would grant Apple’s engineers more freedom arranging internal components while allowing for a smaller overall earbud footprint. The downside is potential usability issues accessing controls without a dedicated stem. I would prefer integration of touch sensors directly on each earbud face to enable tapping/swiping instead of losing gestural control capabilities completely.
As for the charging case, added speakers and mics could pave the way for handsfree Siri access or even simple audio playback confirmations – “Headphones charged / Battery low” for example. While interesting concepts, these may be viewed as unnecessary embellishments vs focusing R&D investment on the earbuds themselves.
Specs and Expected Features
Turning from aesthetics to functionality, let’s examine the rumored technical specifications that could enable key features in the upcoming AirPods Pro 2 models.
Audio Quality
A major exclusive for the AirPods Pro 2 may be support for Apple’s Lossless Audio format via Bluetooth connectivity. This would be an impressive achievement given bandwidth constraints with existing Bluetooth versions.
Apple’s marketing chief Greg Joswiak already teased significant improvements coming to AirPods regarding lossless playback. VP Gary Geaves also downplayed Bluetooth limitations as easily resolvable, likely through Apple’s proprietary enhancements.
By adopting an upgraded Bluetooth 5.2 chipset paired with their lossless-ready ALAC codec baked on top, I believe the AirPods Pro 2 could fully support Apple Lossless end-to-end. This would provide CD quality sound and vastly improved listening experiences for subscribers of Apple Music’s Lossless libraries.
Health & Fitness Tracking
Multiple reports point to advanced health tracking features coming to the next AirPods such as:
- Accelerometers and gyroscopes detecting head/neck positioning and movement patterns
- Optical heart rate monitoring via infrared sensor and LED flashes
- Body temperature readings
These biometrics would assist tracking exertion levels across various workouts as well as progress over time. Combining with Apple Watch metrics could provide fitness buffs with an unprecedented holistic picture of health stats, activity performance, and recovery needs.
For less active listeners, breathing quality assessments during everyday use may help promote mindfulness and overall wellness. Those recovering from illness may also benefit from having continuous temperature data as another way to monitor changes in their condition.
Connectivity & Battery
AirPods Pro 2 are highly expected to swap out the Lightning charging port for a more universal USB-C connector. This move would match recent changes across Apple’s iPad and MacBook lineups towards standardizing on USB-C.
While convenient for those with existing USB-C chargers, it does mark an end of an era for Apple’s proprietary Lightning ports in favor of the more universally adopted charging standard.
As for battery life, teardowns of the AirPods Pro case revealed an 1130 mAh battery capacity versus competitor models ranging from 1400 mAh to 2000 mAh. Given Apple lags behind in listening time per charge (4.5 hours max vs 6-8 hours on rivals), focusing R&D on battery optimization makes perfect sense.
I predict anywhere from a 25-50% gain in battery capacity resulting in over 5 hours of continuous listening time for the AirPods Pro 2 on a single charge. Less frequent charging would no doubt please users accustomed to popping their AirPods back in the case multiple times per day.
Pricing and Availability Expectations
Casting our gaze into the future, what might launch day specifics look like for consumers once the AirPods Pro 2 get official unveiled? Apple Insider Ming-Chi Kuo offered predictions back in January:
“We predict Apple‘s 2nd generation AirPods Pro will be launched in 4Q22 with estimated shipments of 18–20 mn units in 2023.”
Ming-Chi Kuo AirPods Pro 2 Prediction, via 9to5Mac”
Aligning with the fall release anticipation, Apple could take pre-orders shortly after a September keynote announcement with retail availability 1-2 weeks later. Given supply chain obstacles over the past two years, I anticipate Apple will be conservative with initial inventory levels – similar to the AirPods Max where extended wait times left many purchase dates well into the new year. Plan to jump on the pre-order timing for first batch guarantees.
As for MSRP, the original AirPods Pro debuted at $249 USD, quickly rising in popularity as a more affordable Bose/Sony competitor with Apple ecosystem integration. With added new heated to the sequel, a bump to $279 or even $299 makes financial sense reflecting the value-added components and R&D costs. However, Apple may eat a portion of margin changes to attract upgraders with familiar $249 price parity.
I predict preorder deals from major retailers like Amazon or Best Buy that shave 10-15% off retail pricing for early buyers. But anticipating long term discounts beyond launch promotions may be unrealistic given demand backing up supply for months on end usually. Overall the AirPods Pro 2 should deliver meaningful improvements in key areas that justify the expenditure over previous generation models for devoted Apple fans.
How AirPods Pro 2 Compare to the Competition
As Apple’s lead earbuds option with premium features galore suited for everyday listeners and athletes alike, the AirPods Pro 2 will aim to claimWireless earbuds have become ubiquitous in recent years across the fitness, commuter, and work-from-home landscapes. As one of the world‘s most celebrated consumer tech brands, Apple has led the way in popularizing mainstream wireless earbuds powered by its sought after H1 chip pairing seamlessly with iPhone and iPad devices.
the high ground versus rival brands. Based on educated projections around the AirPods Pro 2’s specifications, here is how they may stack up against current top contenders:
| Specs / Features | AirPods Pro 2 | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II | Sony WF-1000XM4 | Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 | Google Pixel Buds Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Fall 2022 | TBA | Out Now | TBA 2022 | July 28, 2022 |
| Noise Cancellation | Enhanced Mode | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Audio Codecs | AAC, Apple Lossless | AAC, SBC | LDAC, DSEE Extreme | Scalable, SBC | Volume EQ |
| Battery Life | 30 hours Total | 30 hours Total | 24 hours Total | 33 hours Total | 31 hours Total |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Health Sensors | Optical HR, Temp | None | None | Bioelectric Impedence | None |
| Fitness Features | Accel/Gyro Tracking | None | Headbone Sensing | Workout Coaching | Find My Buds |
| MSRP (USD) | $249-$299 | $299 | $279 | N/A | $199 |
Reviewing the landscape, Apple has its work cut out with extremely tough competition from both audio stalwarts like Sony and Bose plus aggressive upstarts including Samsung and Google.
I believe advanced health tracking combined with lossless playback support would give the AirPods Pro 2 significant appeal over current models. Yet sound quality preferences amongst consumers are highly subjective based on music genres, existing libraries, and device ecosystem lock-in. Your mileage will certainly vary evaluating audio hardware decisions strictly on tech specs alone.
Ultimately real world testing will determine if Apple’s engineering efforts on the AirPods Pro 2 translate into audibly, tangibly better experiences justifying an upgrade for prospective buyers still on the fence. As leaks continue trickling out over the summer months, I will be updating my guidance accordingly as more intelligence gets confirmed.
So stay tuned for further insights as the fall release timeframe approaches! Please reach out with any questions in the meantime.
