Apple is fully embracing USB-C, which means that the AirPods Pro 2, a highly popular wireless earbuds on the market, will also feature USB-C connectivity.
The latest iteration, the Apple AirPods Pro 2, largely retains the same earbud design as its predecessor but introduces notable improvements in the accompanying case. It has shifted from Lightning to USB-C and you can use iPhone 15 to charge the case.
Beyond the change to USB-C, users can now enjoy an expanded range of ear tip sizes, ensuring a more customised and comfortable fit.
Apple has also incorporated dust protection for both the case and the earbuds. While they previously held an IPX4 rating for water resistance, they have now been upgraded to an IP54 rating.
One of the standout features is the new Adaptive Audio listening mode, which intelligently combines Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) based on the user’s surroundings.
Additionally, there’s a “Conversation Awareness” feature that automatically lowers the content volume when the user engages in a conversation nearby, enhancing the clarity of the conversation while reducing background noise.
The AirPods Pro 2 also introduce a “Personalised Volume” feature, leveraging machine learning to adapt to environmental conditions and the user’s volume preferences over time. For added convenience, the earbuds themselves feature Mute and Unmute controls.
Furthermore, Apple has enhanced the automatic switching functionality, making it even more seamless across the entire Apple ecosystem.
Apple has also disclosed that the USB-C case will support low-latency lossless audio when connected to the Vision Pro, its mixed-reality headset.
With the assistance of the H2 chip, users can anticipate 20-bit 48 kHz audio quality when the company’s headset is released next year.
Pricing and Availability
The AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C will be available for RM1,099, and just like the watches, Apple didn’t announce the availability of these earbuds at the time of writing.