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Lossless Audio With Apple Vision Pro Will Be Limited to USB-C AirPods Pro 2

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Alongside the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, Apple yesterday debuted a new version of the AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case. The swap to USB-C instead of Lightning is the primary new feature, but Apple also updated audio quality in a way that may upset some of its customers.

AirPods-Pro-Case-With-USB-C.jpg

As we highlighted yesterday, the new AirPods Pro feature additional dust resistance and support for 20-bit 48kHz lossless audio when connected to the Vision Pro headset. At the time, it seemed unusual that Apple would limit a key audio feature to the new AirPods Pro 2 when the original version is just a year old, but that's exactly what Apple has done.


According to the latest PowerOn newsletter from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple confirmed that Lossless Audio will not be available on the AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning charging case, and it is indeed a feature limited to the new USB-C AirPods Pro 2.

Apple in a press release announcing the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging case touted the new audio feature, calling it the "perfect true wireless solution" for Vision Pro.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) will enable Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency to deliver the perfect true wireless solution with Apple Vision Pro. The H2 chip in the latest AirPods Pro and Apple Vision Pro, combined with a groundbreaking wireless audio protocol, unlocks powerful 20-bit, 48 kHz Lossless Audio with a massive reduction in audio latency.

When Apple Vision Pro is available early next year in the U.S., customers will be able to enjoy the most advanced wireless audio experience in the industry with the new AirPods Pro for exceptional entertainment, gaming, FaceTime calls, and so much more.
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Customers who want to be able to use Lossless Audio with Vision Pro for this audio experience will need to purchase the new AirPods Pro 2, which are available for $249. The Vision Pro headset itself is set to be priced at $3,500.

Article Link: Lossless Audio With Apple Vision Pro Will Be Limited to USB-C AirPods Pro 2
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/09/13/apple-vision-pro-lossless-new-airpods-pro-2-only/
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EllZ89

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May 15, 2019
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I can’t imagine it’s to do with the case, so that leaves the AirPods themselves, and if they are different from the lightning 2nd gen pros, why keep them the same name?

Apart from that this might be the only difference and doesn’t warrant being called the 3rd gen pros (or even 2.5), it’s still a bizarre move.
 
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Attirex

Attirex

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"Customers who want to be able to use Lossless Audio with Vision Pro for this audio experience will need to purchase the new ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2, which are available for $249. The Vision Pro headset itself is set to be priced at $3,500."

So in other words, two ppl.
 
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LogicalApex

LogicalApex

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It makes sense that they didn’t make a typo in the press release…

THe reality is this is a very bizarre move that only adds confusion with no upside I can see. The Vision Pro isn’t even on sale yet…

Why are headphones becoming so complicated that you need to now start asking ”what revision do you have?“

I assume the AirPod Pro 2nd Generation with Lightening (what a mouthful) can’t be placed intro the USB-C case? Otherwise, that adds even MORE confusion.
 
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zubikov

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This is great news. Not b/c of this combination of VisionPro and AirPods Pro 2, but b/c Apple finally proved that their standard for lossless audio is possible over Bluetooth.

It would be nice to see if putting lossless in AirPods Max 2 will make a significant improvement in quality.
 
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Spoonbender01

Spoonbender01

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fwmireault said:
This makes no sense, it's the same H2 chip. Giving new features to same-generation devices will create a lot of confusion. Not that I care about this feature, but it's a weird marketing move
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Well we don’t actually know that - Apple has fumbled something here. I am curious for the ifixit when these drop next Friday to see. If they do offer new technical functionality then Apple should have called the 2023 edition or something (if small enough of a change not to warrant an ”Airpods Pro 3”..
 
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