Consumers shouldn’t expect to see Apple's AirPods Pro 2 earbuds this year, according to the latest predictions. The new AirPods Pro will be the second addition to the Pro lineup, which first launched in October of 2019. Apple introduced its first pair of AirPods back in September of 2016, cutting the cord and offering users a wireless listening experience. The most recent addition to the AirPods lineup arrived last December as the AirPods Max.
Unlike the standard version, the AirPods Pro feature Active Noise Cancelation along with Transparency mode, although users also have the option to turn these features off using the force sensor on the stem to preserve battery life. The force sensor also allows AirPods Pro users to skip songs quickly and easily. Another selling point for the AirPods Pro is the included spatial audio support, which adds surround sound to the listening experience.
Aanalyst Ming-Chi Kuo released a note to investors indicating Apple will likely release the AirPods Pro successor at some point in 2022, according to Apple Insider. In the same note, Kuo also anticipated that there is likely to be lower demand for AirPods in the latter half of 2021, based on lower than expected sales during the second quarter of the year. While other options like the Pixel Buds A-Series offer serious competition, AirPods will continue to be a top purchase for consumers.
Potential AirPods Pro 2 Features To Expect
AirPods include unique features like Siri, which Apple could improve on with the next generation of AirPods Pro, thereby drawing in repeat or even new customers. Furthermore, AirPods Pro could also offer similar health-related features that are already included with Apple Watch and iPhone. For example, recently rumors hinted at an upcoming fitness tracking feature, which could potentially track biometric info such as the user’s heart rate, thanks to Apple including ambient light sensors. Furthermore, the AirPods Pro 2 could potentially use motion sensors to keep track of how many calories the user burns while active. This could make the AirPods Pro 2 even more of an ideal companion to the Apple Watch.
In terms of what the AirPods Pro 2 may look like, there is the possibility that Apple could eliminate the stem entirely, resulting in a more rounded shape that looks similar to the Galaxy Buds Pro from Samsung. A rumor from December of last year also suggested that the new AirPods Pro may come in two different sizes, providing buyers with an additional choice. While it may be a little disappointing to have to wait for the AirPods Pro 2 to premiere, they may well be worth the wait in the end.
Source: Apple Insider