Report: 'AirPods Pro' to Launch End of October with New Design, New Noise-Canceling Feature and $260 Price Tag

[dz5b609]

For some, that like sound quality, they do.

Been passed left and right in that regard for years now. Sennheiser is good, but you can get much better for the same price from other brands. It really isn't the holy grail that it once was, not even close to that.

So no if you like sound quality you'd know that there's much better than Sennheiser around.

 

[matrix07]

It's not that cheap actually. Once you have paid to replace both AirPods and the case, it basically works out to buying a new set of AirPods.

my 1st gen AirPods didn’t have much problem with the case. Doesn’t replace both buds will only cost you like $90? That’s pretty good for another 3 years usage.
i like wireless charging so I bought the 2nd version anyway.

 

[darkcompass]

Been passed left and right in that regard for years now. Sennheiser is good, but you can get much better for the same price from other brands. It really isn't the holy grail that it once was, not even close to that.

So no if you like sound quality you'd know that there's much better than Sennheiser around.

Granted, I never said they are the holy grail, and I've heard better skullcandy at the low-end. Sounds quality is subjective, everybody's hearing is different. For me, I've found Sennheiser are the best for day to day and Marshall for monitoring.

Im sure these Airpods will fly off the shelves, just not for me - price and sound wise.

 

[dantracht]

“Pro” has definitely jumped the shark if this is true.
AirPods Pro? I’m going to start referring to parts of my life as “pro” since everything can get the pro name attached to it.
Don’t get me wrong, I have a first gen set of AirPods that I barely use. I just find this silly. Just my opinion.

 

[Abazigal]

my 1st gen AirPods didn’t have much problem with the case. Doesn’t replace both buds will only cost you like $90? That’s pretty good for another 3 years usage.

That's true, but during these few years, Apple will likely have released a newer version of AirPods (or two). Paying the same amount of money to get what are essentially an older pair of AirPods when I could be upgrading them doesn't seem like that great a deal.

I was listening to a recent episode of Macstories where one of the podcasters claimed he got both AirPods swapped, but was charged for only one. At that price, I would definitely pay to get them replaced, but at what Apple currently charges, I will probably upgrade when Apple next refreshes their AirPods.

 

[Thrutheroofnunderground]

Cue the parade of obligatory elitist headphone owner’s, “No thanks, I’ll stick to my *insert brand name* headphones instead”

True. However, in this case, it isn't totally outrageous. The other quality earphones with ANC are all around the same price point. The Sony equivalent is $230.

 

[shaunp]

These 'Pro' models will come with an equally 'Pro' option because it will be needed to support the 'Pro' levels of sound quality that can't be achieved any other way. A cable. With a 3.5mm jack!!

 

[bobob]

It is great news that Apple is expanding their true wireless ear bud line, as long as they keep selling the original design too.

Personally, I prefer a safe mix of ambient noise for my walking-around headphones and I also do not enjoy the ear canal blocking design of most of the competitors. My first generation AirPods are so comfortable, I have forgotten I'm wearing them on more than one occasion.

 

[Thrutheroofnunderground]

I don’t think I’ll buy AirPods again when my week 1 generation 1 finally kick the bucket.

I love them, but I wish i could change the battery.

I understand that something that small it would be an impossible ask. And that’s fine. I won’t knock that from an environmental perspective, they are so tiny and they do seem to last 3 years at least so far, they aren’t that wasteful at all.

But from a personal finance perspective. I’m going to shift to bulkier over the head wireless headphones that have a serviceable battery so I can keep them running for maybe double that time.

Actually, iFixit found that you can replace the battery on Galaxy Buds, and it apparently isn't that hard. It's the way they designed it that makes it impossible. I just bought some Powerbeat Pros, and I like them a lot, but when the time comes, the battery isn't remotely replaceable.

 

[matrix07]

That's true, but during these few years, Apple will likely have released a newer version of AirPods (or two). Paying the same amount of money to get what are essentially an older pair of AirPods when I could be upgrading them doesn't seem like that great a deal.

I was listening to a recent episode of Macstories where one of the podcasters claimed he got both AirPods swapped, but was charged for only one. At that price, I would definitely pay to get them replaced, but at what Apple currently charges, I will probably upgrade when Apple next refreshes their AirPods.

Yeah agree $50 for both buds would be ideal.

 

[Kabeyun]

Ouch, that's expensive. I'll stick to my trusty Sennheisers.

You mean the Momentums, which cost $300?

*Another Apple gadget raising prices.

*That is, if this rumour is becoming reality.

$229 is still competitive for wireless earbuds. Have you looked around?

 

[gnipgnop]

There's no reason to believe an "in-ear" design "enhances the listening experience". It's likely a requirement for the noise cancelling aspect.

 

[jdclifford]

Ouch, that's expensive. I'll stick to my trusty Sennheisers.

"Pro" = $$$ PROFIT

 

[NBAasDOGG]

Wow, can’t wait to shown my €300 (EU price) AirPods 3 at Starbucks.
Thank you Tim...

 

[thomas040]

What is the likelyhood that these come with some basic health features too.

 

[infinitejest]

Everything that used to be an ordinary update is now called "Pro" just to make it ridiculous expensive.
Let's face it, a "PRO" user doesn't buy AirPods... It's a product for the average consumer. IF you are a pro user and you need headphones for mixing, editing or whatever, you buy Audio Technica, Sennheiser, etc. not AirPods.

 

[justperry]

If it has additional features and functions then yes price increase is justified. R & D is not free.

Plenty of examples of electronics with new features without raising prices, so no, it's not normal.
Example, AV receivers.updated features same price, wasmachines..new model with more/better features same price.
$100 more expensive, that's a 67% increase lol, insane.
I could understand Max. $10, not this.
Milking I call that.

*That is, if that's the new price.

 

[Nuno Lopes]

If it comes with the “pro” moniker it’s the stupidest thing Apple has done lately. For the sake of quick bucks these guys a putting into jeopardy the credibility of their marketing spiel.

Back to reality, my HomePod sound sucks for the price. It does, it does, it does. R&D much lately?

"Pro" = $$$ PROFIT

Right on!!!

 

[darkcompass]

You mean the Momentums, which cost $300?

You're trying to drag me into a debate ..... but I prefer the HD4.50 BTNC .
I have the headphone I like for now, and if I needed a new set of headphone/earphones, then these airpods wouldn't be it.

 

[justperry]

You mean the Momentums, which cost $300?


$229 is still competitive for wireless earbuds. Have you looked around?

That's not my point, a 67% increase is my point, I could understand a $10 price increase, not this.

 

[newyorksole]

There doesn’t seem to any common theme connecting the products. Apple might just decide to do a silent update this time round. Certainly wouldn’t be the first time.

Shooooot. Idc if there’s no event. I just want some new stuff haha. But I also think it would be odd release major products without an event.

I guess we’ll see. I desperately want a new iMac, but doubt we’ll see it until late next year.

 

[justperry]

Well no. It’s a new version. With the other version reaming available.

The newer one should have more or less the same price, I can understand a small hike, the older one should be $99 or less.
[automerge]1571396940[/automerge]

LOL? It's not the same product as the existing AirPods.

Apple wants you to believe that, they *do/did a great job.

*If this rumour is accurate.

 

[itsmilo]

„Pro“ the latest marketing gimmick to excuse charging basically double on something that should be natural evolution of product features. There ain’t nothing pro about it but the price.

Apple is smart, instead of just updating an existing product, they create a new „Pro“ category while keeping the price of the previous generation that would otherwise see a price drop.

 

[whsbuss]

I'm not sure this rumored $260 price is gonna hold. My guess prior to this article was $249

 

[Abazigal]

Everything that used to be an ordinary update is now called "Pro" just to make it ridiculous expensive.
Let's face it, a "PRO" user doesn't buy AirPods... It's a product for the average consumer. IF you are a pro user and you need headphones for mixing, editing or whatever, you buy Audio Technica, Sennheiser, etc. not AirPods.

With Apple, "pro" likely just means it has some additional features over the original. So AirPods Pro is simply AirPods with some extra improvements, just like how the iPad Pro is a souped-up iPad. I wouldn't read too much into it.