Along with introducing the Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2 and iPhone 15/15 Plus/Pro/Pro Max product lines, Apple also announced some improvements to its AirPods Pro 2nd generation during its presentation today.
USB-C
The new AirPods Pro 2 are updated with a USB‐C connector and MagSafe Charging case. USB-C makes it convenient to use a single cable to charge Mac, iPad, AirPods, and the iPhone 15 lineup. Users can also charge AirPods directly with the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which also come with a USB‐C connector.
Tip: The reason that Apple is adopting USB-C connectivity is due to forthcoming EU regulations regarding standardized phone/wireless earbud charging.
Weather Proof Rating Update
An improved IP54 rating for the earbuds and case also offers additional dust resistance, so users can bring them on their favorite rugged adventures.
Lossless Audio with Apple Vision Pro
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) will enable Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency for the Apple Vision Pro. The H2 chip in the latest AirPods Pro and Apple Vision Pro, combined with a groundbreaking wireless audio protocol, will provide 20-bit, 48 kHz Lossless Audio with a significant reduction in audio latency. This means that when Apple Vision Pro is available early next year in the U.S., customers will be able to enjoy a wireless audio experience with the new AirPods Pro for exceptional entertainment, gaming, FaceTime calls, and much more.
New Features with iOS 17
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) also gains additional features and capabilities via iOS 17.
Adaptive Audio: This feature dynamically blends Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation. This adjusts noise control based on the sound in a user’s environment. Using advanced computational audio, users can stay aware of their surroundings, while minimizing distracting noises such as background group conversations, that noisy vacuum cleaner at home, or the noise level in a crowded restaurant.
Conversation Awareness: When a user begins speaking to someone nearby, whether they’re having a quick conversation with a colleague or ordering in a restaurant, Conversation Awareness helps to lower the content volume, enhance the voices in front of the user, and reduce background noise.
Personalized Volume: Using machine learning to understand environmental conditions and volume selections, Personalized Volume automatically fine-tunes the listening experience for users based on their preferences over time.
Better for the Environment
The new AirPods Pro 2 are designed with numerous materials and features to minimize their impact on the environment including:
- Use of 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets.
- 100 percent recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards.
- 100 percent recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board and 100 percent recycled aluminum in the hinge.
- Freedom from potentially harmful substances such as mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium.
- Redesigned packaging eliminates the outer plastic wrap, and 90 percent or more of the packaging is made using fiber-based materials.
Tip: Apple’s goal is to completely remove plastic from all packaging by 2025.
Pricing and Availability
The AirPods Pro 2 (aka 2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‐C) is priced at $249 (U.S.) and is available from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in the U.S., as well as 30+ other countries and regions starting Friday, September 22.
Tip: New subscribers can get Apple Music free for six months with the purchase of any AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max. See apple.com/promo for details.
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