Apple Airpods Pro 2 USB-C Version Supports Lossless Audio
Hidden in the shadow of Apple's big announcements overnight, which focused on the new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 lineup, was a smaller but just as significant announcement that will excite audiophiles.
The AirPods Pro 2 is getting a new USB-C charging case, but that's not all. Tucked away in the press release are two paragraphs on how this new AirPods Pro 2 model will be able to support 20-bit/48kHz lossless audio when used with the company's exciting Vision Pro headset that's due to launch in early 2024, thanks to a new wireless audio protocol.
This comes as a very welcome change, although it's not without its limitations. For years, Apple has restricted wireless Bluetooth transmission to its AAC codec, which is excellent in terms of efficiency and offering better sound quality than SBC. However, it's never been an ideal codec for audiophiles who prefer higher-resolution options like aptX HD, LDAC and now aptX Adaptive.
While we have no further information on this wireless audio protocol, Apple claims that besides lossless audio, it will also offer massive reductions in audio latency. Internally on the hardware side, however, it seems like there's no change aside from the switch to USB-C and an improved IP54 dust and water resistance rating. The same H2 chip inside the AirPods Pro 2 is the factor that enables lossless audio with the Apple Vision Pro, which also sports a H2 chip.
The press release also states:
When Apple Vision Pro is available early next year in the U.S., customers will be able to enjoy the most advanced wireless audio experience in the industry with the new AirPods Pro for exceptional entertainment, gaming, FaceTime calls, and so much more.
The statement leads us to think that Apple expects Vision Pro users to use lossless audio primarily for movies and gaming, as it's unlikely that users will be lounging around at home wearing the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset just to listen to music.
That being said, the introduction of the wireless audio protocol and lossless audio is a massive step forward, and it's entirely possible that we see it eventually introduced into iPhones as well, which could mean even better synergies for Apple users who might be subscribed to Apple Music's lossless offerings.
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Cheryl Tan
After diving down the custom IEMs rabbit hole since she was 18, Cheryl has embarked on a long journey trying out as many audio products as possible ever since. She’s still waiting for the day a company can create a pair of true wireless earbuds that sound just as good as wired earphones.
Posted in: Headphones
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