Rumor: AirPods Pro 2 to Launch in Third Quarter of 2022

[MacRumors]

Apple will release second-generation AirPods Pro in the third quarter of 2022, according to a new rumor allegedly based on supply chain sources.

AirPods Pro 2 mockup based on rumors​

Apple is developing second-generation AirPods Pro to follow the AirPods 3, with the new high-end earbuds set to come out in 2022, according to well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman and respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. However, neither Gurman nor Kuo have offered a more specific launch window for the next-gen earbuds.

The latest rumor comes from user @FronTron, who on Friday revised a previous claim made in June that "AirPods Pro 2" will be launched by the second quarter of next year "at least." The leaker now predicts Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro will arrive in Q3 2022. The third quarter traditionally encompasses a 92-day window between July 1 and September 30.

While @FronTron has a very limited track record for accurate leaks, the leaker told MacRumors that the tip comes directly from the supply chain and is based on the same source of theirs that predicted AirPods Pro 2 would arrive next year, several days before Kuo said the same thing in a June 30 investors note. While the latter appears to be true, the new information should still be taken with a grain of salt at this point in time.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said that Apple is aiming to make the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 more compact by eliminating the short stem that sticks out from the bottom. Apple is said to be testing a "more rounded shape that fills more of a user's ear," but getting the hardware of the ‌AirPods Pro‌ into a chassis that's reduced in size has proven difficult, so the plan could be scrapped, cautions Gurman.

MacRumors received alleged images of the second-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ that contradict the stemless design rumors, but they're from a source without an established track record and we can't verify their accuracy.

Gurman and Bloomberg's Debby Wu reported in May that Apple's second-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ will include updated motion sensors with a focus on fitness tracking. Based on improvements made to the new AirPods 3, other features that are also likely to appear in the second-generation AirPods Pro include an IPX-4 rated water-resistant MagSafe Charging Case, and all-new skin-detect sensors replacing the existing optical sensors.

Article Link: Rumor: AirPods Pro 2 to Launch in Third Quarter of 2022

 

[Onexy]

The stems improve usability so you can properly grab them.

 

[incoherent_1]

At this point, I’ve seen analysts state that new AirPods “may” be released in each quarter from Q1 2020 till Q3 2022…

Throw enough at the wall and eventually something sticks.

 

[Serban55]

So at the iphone event

 

[soaddk]

They will NOT be stemless. The stem is for interacting with the pod. Since the regular airpods also has the new pinch-interaction apple will not go back to some kind of touch/tap interaction for the pros. As Onexy also points out, the stems act as a handle for adjusting the pods.

Just like Apple is using the notch as a design-element and something unique for apple the stem will also continue to be this.

 

[shinigamii]

This looks great and I would buy it if they release AirPods 2 pro in this design.

 

[alpi123]

Just say at the September iPhone event lol

 

[KrisLord]

I don’t get the dislike on Apple’s part for the stem.

I don’t see the appeal of other brands that are stemless.

 

[TJ82]

My favourite buds are stemless and tiny (Sleepbuds 2). Even though they’re so small, I have no issues adjusting them.

No even something you think about. Only time you hear about ‘adjustability’ on earbuds are on forums by people who think extremely simply ?

 

[Baretta]

I don’t get the dislike on Apple’s part for the stem.

I don’t see the appeal of other brands that are stemless.

Much like the notch, the stem has become such a symbol of nonnovation that we better get rid of it tomorrow.
(except perhaps tentpole-salesmen…)

 

[Seanm87]

They will NOT be stemless. The stem is for interacting with the pod. Since the regular airpods also has the new pinch-interaction apple will not go back to some kind of touch/tap interaction for the pros. As Onexy also points out, the stems act as a handle for adjusting the pods.

Just like Apple is using the notch as a design-element and something unique for apple the stem will also continue to be this.

The stem isn't really unique to apple though as many other companies have used a stem.

 

[SurferPup]

I am so buying them. I love my AirPods Pro and been dying for the next iteration

 

[aidler]

Third Quarter... that's a big ooof. They are really trying to force as many people as possible who have bought the first generation to buy another pair of first generation AirPod Pros before the new version is released.

 

[MedRed]

the stem is so distinctive at this point. does it need to go away if it serves a purpose?

 

[rs-mac]

Completely agree with others' points about not dropping the stem.

The one thing I'm hoping for in the 2nd gen is better battery life; even if that means a larger battery.

 

[DHagan4755]

I'm super happy with my AirPods 3, so whatever ever Apple does with the pro version has to be next level.

 

[dantracht]

Would likely upgrade, even though the timing is a little vague.

 

[davidako]

The stems improve usability so you can properly grab them.

I don’t have problems grabbing my various stemless wireless buds.

Someone could always 3D print stems to attach if necessary.

 

[Cristim74]

I don't see Apple getting rid of the stem, even if they could.
The stem is how you can recognise any pair of AirPods, much like the notch is for the iPhone and Macs.

 

[davidako]

I don't see Apple getting rid of the stem, even if they could.
The stem is how you can recognise any pair of AirPods, much like the notch is for the iPhone and Macs.

Now we have notches without FaceID maybe the next move is empty stems on AirPods.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

I never liked the Q-Tip-in-your-ears look.

I'll be happy if it goes away, but not at the expense of functionality.

 

[tridley68]

Get your Q tip's new and improved

 

[msackey]

The stems improve usability so you can properly grab them.

That was exactly my first thoughts too. Earbuds are not hearing aids, which means unlike hearing aids they are taken on and off more frequently. The stem provides something to hold on to and also aids in positioning the earbuds into the ear canal through a twisting motion.

 

[syklee26]

Give us wifi listening option so they can play lossless. Or implement better codecs than AAC…

 

[Manatee]

I've been looking forward to AirPods Pro 2, but only because I hope they'd stay in my ears better than the original excellent version do.

I just got the new Beats Fit Pro, and they have all the features of the AirPods Pro - except for "Conversation Boost" (which I really like) - and they stay in my ears perfectly. That little soft piece that catches in the ridge of the ear enables them to stay in perfectly, and it's barely noticeable. Sound quality is great, and the noise cancelling seems as good as the AirPods Pro. Only complaint... too easy to tap the buttons while putting them in my ears, but I'm learning to work around that.

Back to the AirPods Pro... I look forward to whatever new features they add in the new version. I hope they hang on to my ears more like the Beats do.