Unveiling the Enhanced Sound of AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 8:29 a.m.

The AirPods Pro 2 offer enhanced sound quality and potential support for lossless audio. Despite a similar design, subtle improvements make them a compelling choice for Apple users.

The AirPods Pro 2: Unraveling the Mystery of Apple's Latest Earbuds

The latest iteration of Apple's AirPods Pro, known as the AirPods Pro 2, has arrived with a hint of secrecy surrounding their design changes. While Apple has been tight-lipped about the specifics of these changes, there is a noticeable improvement in sound quality. In this article, we'll explore the intriguing features of the AirPods Pro 2, including their enhanced audio capabilities, pricing details, and potential internal upgrades.

Pricing and Availability

For U.S. and Australian buyers, the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C are priced at $249 and AU$399, respectively, maintaining the same MSRP as the 2022 version. However, a pleasant surprise awaits those in the U.K., where the online price for pre-orders is £229 via the Apple Store, a £20 reduction from the original AirPods Pro 2 launch price.

Critical Acclaim

The AirPods Pro 2 have received critical acclaim for their exceptional sound quality and user experience, particularly when paired with an iPhone. They are widely regarded as some of the finest wireless earbuds available today. In my experience, with just a few days of use, the introduction of new audio features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversational Awareness, and Personalized Volume further elevates the AirPods Pro 2 listening experience.

Enhanced Sound Quality

One burning question for prospective buyers is whether the new USB-C AirPods Pro 2 deliver better sound quality. In my opinion, they do, and I'll explain why. Although Apple hasn't officially disclosed any internal differences between the new version and its predecessor, certain factors suggest that upgrades may have been made, particularly in the acoustic architecture.

While the external appearance of the AirPods Pro 2 remains unchanged, there are subtle differences in their characteristics, discernible through close listening. Given that these new AirPods Pro 2 support lossless audio, it's reasonable to assume that there have been internal architecture adjustments to enable compatibility with this feature.

Lossless Audio Support

Apple's new AirPods Pro 2 boast support for a cutting-edge 20-bit/48kHz lossless audio protocol, designed for ultra-low latency use with the upcoming $3,500 Apple Vision Pro, expected in 2024. This protocol relies on Apple's powerful H2 chip, which debuted with the 2022 AirPods Pro 2. However, sources indicate that the new lossless audio protocol will only function in conjunction with the Apple Vision Pro. This suggests the possibility of additional components or design changes in the AirPods Pro 2 to facilitate lossless audio.

Beyond Data: Acoustic Properties

It's important to note that sound quality isn't solely determined by the volume of data but also by the acoustical properties of the components involved in producing sound waves. This is where Apple may have made significant enhancements. While the previous AirPods Pro 2 were lauded for their sound quality, the new version appears to take things a step further.

The sound from the AirPods Pro 2 feels more refined across the entire frequency spectrum, with a sense of space around vocals and instruments that enhances the stereo soundstage's naturalness. There's a subtle but noticeable improvement in bass detail and energy, greater mid-range clarity where vocals are prominent, and more polished high frequencies.

Subtle Yet Significant

These improvements may sound subtle, but in side-by-side comparisons, playing the same tracks repeatedly with both old and new models, the newer AirPods Pro 2 consistently deliver a more refined listening experience. Music takes on a rhythmic and refined quality that can transport listeners to blissful realms, even if it's not true lossless audio.

A Stronger Connection

One striking observation is the enhanced sense of connection when wearing the AirPods Pro 2 while listening to favorite music. This connection, which transcends data fidelity, is the essence of a great listening experience. It begs the question of whether future AirPods models, and perhaps even iPhones, will support lossless audio, enabling millions of Apple Music subscribers to enjoy their music wirelessly without compromises.

Design and Durability

Externally, the AirPods Pro 2 have a familiarity that echoes their predecessor. The most noticeable changes are the inclusion of a USB-C port on the charging case's underside and the replacement of the Lightning cable with a USB-C cable in the packaging. Additionally, the durability rating has been upgraded from IPX4 to IP54, offering better protection against dirt and dust ingress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C bring exciting improvements to Apple's already acclaimed wireless earbuds. While the external design remains largely unchanged, the enhanced sound quality and potential for lossless audio support make these earbuds a compelling choice for music enthusiasts.

As we delve deeper into the realm of audio technology, the AirPods Pro 2 hint at a future where lossless audio could become the norm for Apple's ecosystem. This tantalizing prospect, coupled with the AirPods Pro 2's refined sound quality, makes them a noteworthy addition to Apple's lineup. While they may look like their predecessors, it's the subtle changes within that make the AirPods Pro 2 an audio experience worth exploring. Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. AirPods Pro 2 (2022) face-off, where we'll delve further into the differences between these two remarkable earbuds.