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

[hsotnicam8002]

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.

Forefend to mix them up if you have both releases.

 

[msackey]

The new AirPods Pro with USB C charging case is such a minor update that they’re still considered the 2nd gen, yet they supposedly are the only AirPods that can provide lossless audio on the Vision Pro.

For those who want the Vision Pro and the best audio experience, they’d be encouraged to replace their current AirPods even though they’re technically the same generation AirPods?

Seems wasteful to me, but yes, of course Apple is not forcing anyone to upgrade their devices. It just seems in this case that they are artificially handicapping the nearly identical model in favor of the “new” model.

They should at least call them the 3rd gen AirPods Pro to make it seem like less of a ploy. But if in actuality the lightening charging case versions also support lossless audio, this is all a non-issue.

My understanding is the earbuds with the USB-C case are different.

I don’t get how it’s wasteful if someone with Vision Pro wanted lossless audio. Are you saying Apple shouldn’t update earbuds at all to lossless so that way no one can yearn for “better” audio quality? Seems odd.

 

[jimbobb24]

I used to trash on USBC and those who worshipped it. But now that I know a USBC port is the secret to creating lossless audio on the Vision Pro I humbly apoligize. USBC is truly magical and Apple is really really doing some weird stuff.

 

[Surf Monkey]

The profit they'll get from selling a few extra new pairs of APP to the extremely low number of Vision Pro buyers will be negligible when it comes to their quarterly reports.

I didn’t say it would work. I said the reason was obvious. They need every single opportunity they can find to move more product. Three declining quarters will have their board up in arms.

 

[acctman]

So if I buy the USB-c case I automatically receive lossless on my last year AirPods?

 

[Realityck]

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.

Lossless 2 ch spatial audio for only $3749 what a deal!

 

[rumoursmac]

Agree, and the next question is what is the APV doing that then allow for lossless? Is it merely the distance from the airpods

This is a very good point - definitely the fixed and short distance (from Vision Pro) is a factor to be able to guarantee higher transfer rate of lossless audio.

Cannot have variable distance like with iPhone , iPad, mac

But still, as others have said, call this Airpods Pro 3 ffs

 

[Surf Monkey]

So if I buy the USB-c case I automatically receive lossless on my last year AirPods?

Nope. The case isn’t sold separately.

 

[oneteam]

They should at least offer a trade in program for AirPods Pro

 

[zzrwood]

Weak. I could get CD-quality over Bluetooth from an old pair of LG buds and my ancient MacBook. In 2014.

No, you couldn't... Bluetooth does not have the bandwidth for uncompressed 44.1khz 16-bit audio (which is what CD-quality is).

 

[darngooddesign]

This is a very good point - definitely the fixed and short distance (from Vision Pro) is a factor to be able to guarantee higher transfer rate of lossless audio.

Cannot have variable distance like with iPhone , iPad, mac

But still, as others have said, call this Airpods Pro 3 ffs

The APP2 and VP both have H2 chips. Apple says these allow for lossless.

 

[Surf Monkey]

The APP2 and VP both have H2 chips. Apple says these allow for lossless.

I’m not sure how. As far as I know only wi-fi has the bandwidth to handle it.

 

[darngooddesign]

I’m not sure how. As far as I know only wi-fi has the bandwidth to handle it.

I'm sure as the VP launch draws closer there will be more details on how it works.

 

[Surf Monkey]

I'm sure as the VP launch draws closer there will be more details on how it works.

It doesn’t work. There is no truly lossless codec that works over anything slower than wi-fi. Apple’s claim is marketing hokum:

Lossless audio is finally coming to AirPods Pro 2… but only with the Apple Vision Pro

What a loss

www.techradar.com

“Apple says that the Lossless Audio codec will enable the AirPods Pro 2 to deliver ultra-low latency with the Apple Vision Pro – both of which use the H2 chip – as well as 20-bit 48kHz lossless. Now, this isn't actually that impressive for Hi-Res Audio. It's not enough for the full quality of Apple Music, for example, which can deliver 24-bit 192kHz. And to compare it to other wireless transmission tech, Snapdragon Sound can do 24-bit 96kHz.”

 

[darngooddesign]

It doesn’t work. There is no truly lossless codec that works over anything slower than wi-fi. Apple’s claim is marketing hokum:

Lossless audio is finally coming to AirPods Pro 2… but only with the Apple Vision Pro

What a loss

www.techradar.com

I only know the Apple says that the H2 is required for lossless support.

“Apple says that the Lossless Audio codec will enable the AirPods Pro 2 to deliver ultra-low latency with the Apple Vision Pro – both of which use the H2 chip – as well as 20-bit 48kHz lossless. Now, this isn't actually that impressive for Hi-Res Audio. It's not enough for the full quality of Apple Music, for example, which can deliver 24-bit 192kHz. And to compare it to other wireless transmission tech, Snapdragon Sound can do 24-bit 96kHz.”

But does that really matter? Hearing the difference between 20/48 lossless and 24/96 lossless or 24/192 lossless on the APPs is as close to impossible as it gets. Its debatable how well you can hear the benefits of 20/48 lossless on the APPs.

 

[Surf Monkey]

I only know the Apple says that the H2 is required for lossless support.

But does that really matter? Hearing the difference between 20/48 lossless and 24/96 lossless on the APPs is as close to impossible as it gets.

Yes, it matters. You ever visited this place?

Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

www.head-fi.org

High resolution lossless audio is a specific thing. Apple is gaming the definition to make claims that aren’t actually supported by reality.

 

[darngooddesign]

Yes, it matters. You ever visited this place?

Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

www.head-fi.org

High resolution lossless audio is a specific thing. Apple is gaming the definition to make claims that aren’t actually supported by reality.

Of course it's a thing. I'm saying that I doubt anyone could hear the difference between Apple's 20/48 lossless and the higher-res losslesses..es on the AirPodPros.

 

[eicca]

No, you couldn't... Bluetooth does not have the bandwidth for uncompressed 44.1khz 16-bit audio (which is what CD-quality is).

We've been over this. It's called aptX and it's close enough to CD quality that it's simply pathetic Apple has taken this long to catch up.

 

[AndiG]

Haha - Apple did it once again 😂 You still stick to the old lightning 💩?

You’re out!

I‘m laughing since I‘m decided to buy another brand, so Apple isn‘t able to fool me …

 

[abowlby]

Two things here:

1. I feel like a cuck for buying the APP2 last year.
2. What about the Earth?

 

[Crow_Servo]

My understanding is the earbuds with the USB-C case are different.

I don’t get how it’s wasteful if someone with Vision Pro wanted lossless audio. Are you saying Apple shouldn’t update earbuds at all to lossless so that way no one can yearn for “better” audio quality? Seems odd.

It sounds like these AirPods might be different from the other 2nd generation AirPods Pro out in the wild.

But is it improved hardware or are they just making a feature exclusive to the new product just because it’s newer?

If the hardware is improved, why didn’t they call these the 3rd generation AirPods Pro?

Seems a little fishy/confusing. Maybe this news story is wrong and it’s just a case of MacRumors inadvertently stirring the pot? Someone in this thread mentioned that an Apple rep told them it’ll work on the previous 2nd gen AirPods Pro as well.

 

[Aston441]

Thats the problem.. Recording studios world wide are not supported. Only the lame vision pro.

It would still be interesting to know just how far down latency in digital sound reproduction can be pulled down. I'm going to guess it is still at least 20ms, or there would be a published spec somewhere. 10ms is about where a high end musician can barely not be highly irritated.

 

[Dremmel]

I'll reply when I've stopped laughing 😂

 

[shapesinaframe]

I think it's safe to say the smart thing to do now is to buy apple shares, not apple products.
they've got the money milking machine set to 11.

 

[bdub786]

I figured it out. The AirPods in the case are still the Pro 2 model, but the lossless goes over the higher bandwidth USB C cable and plays lossless audio into the AirPods while they’re still in the USB C case. You just need to hold the case near your ears to listen 😆