Apple Explains Why Only USB-C AirPods Pro Support Lossless Audio With Vision Pro

[MacRumors]

In a video interview with Brian Tong, Apple's VP of Sensing and Connectivity Ron Huang explained why only the updated second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case support lossless audio with Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset.

Huang revealed that the H2 chip in the USB-C AirPods Pro supports the 5GHz band of wireless frequencies for ultra-low latency and less interference, while the H2 chip in the original second-generation AirPods Pro with a Lightning case is limited to the 2.4GHz band. Apple says it is this 5GHz support that enables the updated AirPods Pro to support lossless audio with the Vision Pro, which is slated for release in the U.S. in early 2024.

The topic is briefly discussed at around the 26-minute mark of the video, as highlighted by 9to5Mac's Zac Hall earlier today:

The updated second-generation AirPods Pro began arriving to customers and launched in stores today. The earbuds are regularly priced at $249 in the U.S., but they are already on sale for $199.99 on Amazon with the USB-C charging case.

Article Link: Apple Explains Why Only USB-C AirPods Pro Support Lossless Audio With Vision Pro

 

[zilchfox]

AirPods Pro 2.5

 

[Anappleaday29]

Imagine having to look at someone’s charging port on their AirPod pros to get that feeling of newest device superiority

 

[abatabia]

This still just…..makes me not thrilled. Sorry. This explanation doesn’t make me feel any better.

 

[Born Again]

My prediction will be the visionpro will sell less than the airpod pros and that’s not saying much.

A niche product is a a niche product.

 

[siddavis]

So much foresight! Couldn't have included 5GHz band in the device knowing they were going to announce the Vision Pro 9 months later?

 

[ppj845]

It still doesn’t make sense. If it’s the same chip that can run on both 2.4 and 5, then apple should be able to enable 5 on APP2wL via firmware update. If it’s a different chip, knowing apple they’d probably call it H3 already.

 

[sack_peak]

I wouldn't be that bothered by it. Sony only has the capacity to produce 900,000 OLED displays for the Vision Pro.

So it only impacts those who will buy this $3499 device.

Personally I'd rather have a wired audio option via USB-C I can get that for $3.49

 

[spcopsmac21]

In a video interview with Brian Tong, Apple's VP of Sensing and Connectivity Ron Huang explained why only the updated second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case support lossless audio with Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset.

Huang revealed that the H2 chip in the USB-C AirPods Pro supports the 5GHz band of wireless frequencies for ultra-low latency and less interference, while the H2 chip in the original second-generation AirPods Pro with a Lightning case is limited to the 2.4GHz band. Apple says it is this 5GHz support that enables the updated AirPods Pro to support lossless audio with the Vision Pro, which is slated for release in the U.S. in early 2024.

The topic is briefly discussed at around the 26-minute mark of the video, as highlighted by 9to5Mac's Zac Hall earlier today:

The updated second-generation AirPods Pro began arriving to customers and launched in stores today. The earbuds are regularly priced at $249 in the U.S., but they are already on sale for $199.99 on Amazon with the USB-C charging case.

Article Link: Apple Explains Why Only USB-C AirPods Pro Support Lossless Audio With Vision Pro

I knew apple had the capability in them to make a USB C charging case. Since the beats wireless earbuds has had that capability for years now.
Good job apple. (；一_一)

 

[LedRush]

So, can we include that chip in everything now so I can finally listen to lossless wirelessly?

 

[augustrushrox]

That doesn't at all explain why Apple is artificially and arbitrarily limiting lossless audio on the USB-C AirPods Pro to only the Vision Pro. Many Apple devices support the 5GHz band and have for many, many years - since at least the early-to-mid 2000's.

 

[Thisismattwade]

Ouch. I love Apple products, and own several, but that’s a tough pill to swallow. Apple knew they were releasing the Vision Pro when they announced the AirPods Pro 2.

(I don’t own any of the products under discussion, just an observer.)

 

[iMacDragon]

That doesn't at all explain why they are artificially limiting it to only the Vision Pro. Many Apple devices support the 5GHz band and have for many, many years.

For wifi

 

[spcopsmac21]

It still doesn’t make sense. If it’s the same chip that can run on both 2.4 and 5, then apple should be able to enable 5 on APP2wL via firmware update. If it’s a different chip, knowing apple they’d probably call it H3 already.

it's called planned obselences. They need to make sure you have a reason to buy the new earbuds and push the upcoming mulit month mortgage payment headset. It's nice to see wirelss lossless in the headphones.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Lossless audio and ultra low latency? I was wondering how they expected music applications to work. So… bring it to the iPads already.

 

[Zeke92]

My prediction will be the visionpro will sell less than the airpod pros and that’s not saying much.

A niche product is a a niche product.

Huh - I thought the AirPods Pros sell well. Do you know the sales numbers? Also, I don't think anyone is expecting the Vision Pro to sell that much. Right now, it's essentially a toy.

 

[Andres Cantu]

They should be more clear in their advertising for the H2 chip. Perhaps something that says it’s been updated. Would have avoided part of the complaints.

 

[Frosties]

Wonder why her eyes is not shown on the screen in the press photo? 🙄

 

[Unregistered 4U]

A niche product is a a niche product.

Everyone with a Mac knows that ALL too well.

 

[boak]

Should have been labelled 3rd generation then

 

[gomichaelgo]

This still just…..makes me not thrilled. Sorry. This explanation doesn’t make me feel any better.

I don't understand what the fuss is. I mean, are you really spending thousands of dollars on the first gen Vision Pro and upset that the older airpods model won't give the better experience? Or is it that you want the lossless feature to be on the old model? If so, it wasn't a selling point of the older model to begin with so it shouldn't be an issue imo.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

So why are they still called 2nd gen if they have a better chip?

 

[corinthos]

I'll explain why for you: $$$

 

[Kylo83]

So why hasn’t the new iPhones for the chip so we can have lossless audio with them

 

[Unregistered 4U]

It still doesn’t make sense. If it’s the same chip that can run on both 2.4 and 5, then apple should be able to enable 5 on APP2wL via firmware update. If it’s a different chip, knowing apple they’d probably call it H3 already.

The chip is only part of the equation, there also has to be antenna support. I’m guessing we’ll see teardowns showing if they’re different.