Tag: AirPods pro

AirPods Pro 2 again rumored to launch within next 5 months
The rumor: The second-generation version of AirPods Pro 2 is less than half a year away, according to DigiTimes (65.1% accurate).
- AirPods Pro 2 are expected to “launch later in the first half of this year,” suggesting a release in the April/May timeframe that has been previously rumored
- Next-generation AriPods pro may feature a radical new design like Amazon’s Echo Buds
Our take: While I initially expected AirPods Pro 2 to come in the second half of 2021, it seems they are launching a bit sooner: my bet is in May. Looking forward to seeing what Apple has done with the design, which could be a significant departure from what we know.
January 27, 2021
AirPods Pro 2 may release in April with redesigned charging case
The rumor: Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro may be launching sooner than expected, according to MacOtakara (68.6% accurate).
- While no details were shared about the pods themselves, there may be a new charging case that will be just as thick, but slightly taller and not as wide
- The new version of AirPods Pro could release in April 2021, just three months from now
Our take: Previous reports pegged AirPods Pro 2 for a launch in the second half of 2021: perhaps they are referring to the redesigned version of AirPods 3?
January 9, 2021
Hands-on photo allegedly shows black AirPods Pro casing
The leak: Apple may be working on a new color option for next-generation AirPods, according to Mr.white (50% accurate).
- The image, which we are unable to verify the authenticity of, shows the inner portion of an AirPods Pro case…in black
- Similar parts leaked ahead of AirPods Pro unveiling in late 2019
- Rumors of black AirPods have been swirling since the first-generation version were released in 2016, but this is the first image leak we have ever seen
Our take: There seems to have been quite some care taken to protect the identity of the person who took the photo, but I’m still so skeptical that this will actually happen. Seems too good to be true!

https://twitter.com/laobaiTD/status/1347740533641277441
January 8, 2021
Limited edition AirPods Pro released
The news: Apple has released a special edition of AirPods Pro in honor of the Chinese New Year.
- “AirPods Pro Year of the Ox Limited Edition” feature special packaging and are engraved with a unique Ox Animoji on the wireless charging case
- Apple is not rumored to update AirPods Pro until later in 2021, so it may be a good time to buy
Our take: These are insanely cool, and I would love to see some similar special edition product made available in the US, too. Happy new year!
January 6, 2021
AirPods Pro 2 may come in multiple sizes
The rumor: Apple may be working on multiple sizes of second generation AirPods Pro, according to Mr.white (50% accurate).
- New images depict a longer cable attached to a similar System in Package (SiP) design
- White also suggests the same audio chip (H1) will be included
Our take: White, who is accurate about half of the time, interestingly refers to the “W2 Chips,” in these images. However, Apple replaced the W1 chip in AirPods 1 with the H1 chip powering AirPods 2/Pro–perhaps he is referring to H1 as the second generation ‘W2’ chip? With no other sources reporting different sizing for AirPods Pro 2, this is a first.

https://twitter.com/laobaiTD/status/1343968958169288704?s=20
December 29, 2020
Apple launches repair program for faulty AirPods Pro
The news: After months of complaints from users experiencing crackling noises and weakened active noise cancellation (ANC), Apple has launched an official repair program for AirPods Pro.
- Eligible AirPods Pro models exhibit at least 1 of the following:
  - Crackling or static sounds that increase in loud environments, with exercise or while talking on the phone
  - Active Noise Cancellation not working as expected, such as a loss of bass sound, or an increase in background sounds, such as street or airplane noise
- AirPods Pro manufactured through October 2020 are in the pool of possible affected units
- Apple says “the program covers affected AirPods Pro for 2 years after the first retail sale of the unit”
Our take: Although buzz about these issues died down, I always had a sneaking suspicion that something else…other than a faulty software update…was at play here. Send your AirPods Pro in right away if you’re in the affected group!
October 30, 2020
iOS 14.2 brings optimized charging to AirPods for the first time
The news: Updating to iOS 14.2 could have a positive impact on your AirPods battery life in the long-term, according to an important change mentioned in the official release notes.
- As described by Apple, “Optimized battery charging for AirPods to slow the rate of battery aging by reducing the time your AirPods spends fully charged”
- Battery degradation was a big issue for owners of original AirPods, as the batteries inside each earbud (and even the charging case) are so tiny
- Apple first introduced optimized battery charging for iPhone with iOS 13
Our take: Super happy that this is here, because I have experienced, first-hand, huge issues with AirPods battery life after holding onto them for a couple of years.
October 30, 2020
AirPods Pro 2 may have new circular design, upgraded wireless chip
The rumor: Apple is working on a radical upgrade to AirPods Pro, according to Mark Gurman (88.3% accurate).
- The stem on new AirPods Pro may be eliminated in order to create a look more similar to Galaxy Buds, Echo Buds and Pixel Buds
- 2nd generation AirPods Pro will also feature an upgraded wireless chip on the inside (H2?)
- AirPods Pro 2 are expected sometime in 2021
Our take: It certainly makes sense for Apple to break from their current design to compete with other designs that are becoming increasingly popular. But changing the pods to look too similar to competitors could be damaging for the instant-recognition that AirPods have accrued.
October 26, 2020