AirPods Pro 2 Charging Case With Three New Features Shown in Leaked Renders

[MacRumors]

A new charging case for the upcoming second-generation AirPods Pro could feature speaker holes, a microphone, and an opening for a lanyard attachment, according to alleged CAD renders of the case shared by AppleInsider's Andrew O'Hara on Twitter.

Alleged CAD of AirPods Pro 2 charging case shared by Andrew O'Hara​

O'Hara said he could not verify the accuracy of the renders, but they do line up with previous rumors about the next AirPods Pro charging case.

The new charging case is expected to gain Find My support, allowing users to track the location of the case in the Find My app in the event it is lost or misplaced, even when the AirPods Pro are not placed in the case. Earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the case will be able to emit a sound when lost, which would explain the addition of speaker holes.

The renders also show a single hole for what could be a microphone, although it is unclear what it would be used for. One possibility is that the microphone could be used for Apple's accessibility feature Live Listen, which can help someone to hear a conversation in a noisy area or across a room. The case's microphone could take in sound and send it to the AirPods Pro that someone is wearing, making the sound easier to hear.

Last, the renders show a cutout in the right side of the case that is likely intended for a lanyard attachment seen in a previous leak. This feature would make it easier to attach an AirPods Pro case to a keychain without the need for an extra accessory.

It's not obvious from the CADs whether the case has a Lightning connector like the current version or a USB-C port, but rumors suggest the case will stick with Lightning this year and switch to USB-C along with the iPhone 15 next year. The case has also supported MagSafe wireless charging since receiving a minor revision in October 2021.

It's also likely the new AirPods Pro charging case will have IPX4-rated water and sweat resistance like the charging case for the third-generation AirPods. Currently, only the AirPods Pro earbuds have water resistance and not the case.

While the second-generation AirPods Pro are expected to have longer battery life thanks to a more power efficient H2 chip and potentially support for Bluetooth 5.2's low-power LE Audio standard, it's not clear if the battery in the new charging case will be any larger. The current AirPods Pro case is equipped with a 519 mAh battery.

Apple is expected to announce the new AirPods Pro by the end of 2022, but it's not clear exactly when they will be unveiled. Other features rumored for the new AirPods Pro include improved in-ear detection, fitness tracking capabilities, and more.

Article Link: AirPods Pro 2 Charging Case With Three New Features Shown in Leaked Renders

 

[ct2k7]

Seems like an interesting upgrade, probably not for me though. My APP work fine and I don't use it for hours for listening. Seems more like a QoL upgrade.

 

[Populus]

I’m really wishing Apple implements Bluetooth 5.2 on all devices as soon as possible.

I guess the Mac platform will be the last to implement this new technology, but I’d really like to see it on the new iPhone 14 and the next iPad Pro at least. Eventually, fourth gen AirPods would support BT 5.2 as well.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Being able to be charged via a iPhone 14 reverse mag safe mating would be so cool.

 

[pdaholic]

Hoping the 4th new feature is that they don’t sound distorted after 4 months of use.

 

[MacBird]

If true then it sounds like a good update. I just got my APP replaced for free because one started to hiss and I'm in no hurry to see if it makes sense to get the second generation. Better battery life would be nice, though.

 

[tks900]

Did anyone notice — It‘s RED?!

 

[icwhatudidthere]

I’m really wishing Apple implements Bluetooth 5.2 on all devices as soon as possible.

I guess the Mac platform will be the last to implement this new technology, but I’d really like to see it on the new iPhone 14 and the next iPad Pro at least. Eventually, fourth gen AirPods would support BT 5.2 as well.

What does 5.2 add?

 

[ct2k7]

What does 5.2 add?

Bluetooth low energy and the LC3 codec as well as multiple streams

 

[munpip214]

What does 5.2 add?

LE Audio is the main thing. Higher quality audio and reduced power

 

[Cromulent]

Considering I'm waiting to send off my original AirPod Pros to be repaired by Apple, I might get these if they come out on the 7th of September event.

 

[Eric_WVGG]

thank gawd for the lanyard hole, every Airpod case should be on a keychain or rope of some kind

It would be nice if they re-used that adorable little popout-button from the 5th gen iPod Touch, though

 

[windowsblowsass]

Can we get a findable case with a speaker in it PLEASE. sucks so bad tou can't find them when in the case

 

[windowsblowsass]

Did anyone notice — It‘s RED?!

Hard to say if that means anything. It's a CAD file they can change the color whenever and it might've just given better contrast to work with

 

[Eldaerenth Faexidor]

Looking forward to the sound profile of the second generation AirPods Pro. Hopefully Apple doesn’t change it every time they update the APP like they did with the first generation. They sounded magical out of the box. Changed quickly after the first updates though.

 

[poppy10]

"Apple's accessibility feature Live Listen, which can help someone to hear a conversation in a noisy area or across a room. The case's microphone could take in sound and send it to the AirPods Pro that someone is wearing, making the sound easier to hear."

Sounds like a privacy nightmare waiting to happen. I could leave my airpods case in a room, leave and make other people in the room think they are speaking in privacy, then I could eavesdrop in to what they are saying on my airpods. Sure you can do that with an iPhone at the moment but it is a lot less conspicuous with an airpod case

 

[rhaezorblue]

Does just having the H2 chip and possible Bluetooth 5.2 mean the mic's will be higher quality than the first gen? Compared to normal wired plain earbuds, the mic quality of the Pro's is pretty low. I have used them for Discord and people say I sound like I'm on the telephone lol

 

[CarlJ]

Last, the renders show a cutout in the right side of the case that is likely intended for a lanyard attachment seen in a previous leak. This feature would make it easier to attach an AirPods Pro case to a keychain without the need for an extra accessory.

Attaching a lanyard or wrist strap seems reasonable. Attaching your AirPods to your keys sounds like a terrible idea - let's get the plastic case up next to a bunch of metal objects with squared off edges to gouge the plastic, plus, if you're lucky, one of those key can knock the case open so your AirPods fall out.

 

[addamas]

Could you replace battery in this case?

 

[tonie walker]

…i can’t leave home without my APP, but on my third replacement, Apple had enough time to fixed the issues - crackling, losing ANC, high pitch whistle, amplifying environment noise, deteriorating audio quality after months of use… hope this new one is much better, i prefer better sound quality and reliable, those case features i can live without.

 

[Eric_WVGG]

…i can’t leave home without my APP, but on my third replacement, Apple had enough time to fixed the issues - crackling, losing ANC, high pitch whistle, amplifying environment noise, deteriorating audio quality after months of use… hope this new one is much better, i prefer better sound quality and reliable, those case features i can live without.

Dang dude. I use APP every day and haven't had any of these problems

 

[symphony]

Will Bluetooth 5.2 AirPods Pro need an iPhone with Bluetooth 5.2?

 

[ct2k7]

Will Bluetooth 5.2 AirPods Pro need an iPhone with Bluetooth 5.2?

i believe so

 

[scrapesleon]

Well I haven’t bought any AirPods in a while this one I’ll definitely buy

 

[jonnysods]

Getting these regardless. Wife gets my hand me downs, and my biz pays for new ones. The circle of tech life!