Apple’s recent product unveiling included not only the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models but also an updated version of the AirPods Pro, referred to as AirPods Pro 2, featuring a USB-C charging case. While the shift to USB-C from Lightning is the primary highlight, Apple has also made improvements to audio quality, although these changes may not sit well with some customers.
As reported previously, the new AirPods Pro 2 now offer enhanced dust resistance and support for 20-bit 48kHz lossless audio when connected to the Vision Pro headset. It initially appeared unusual for Apple to restrict this significant audio feature to the new AirPods Pro 2 when the original model is just a year old, but that’s precisely what they have done.
According to the latest PowerOn newsletter by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has officially stated that Lossless Audio functionality will not be available on the AirPods Pro 2 with a Lightning charging case. This feature is exclusively reserved for the new USB-C AirPods Pro 2.
In a press release announcing the AirPods Pro 2 with the USB-C charging case, Apple highlighted the new audio capabilities, branding it as the “perfect true wireless solution” for use with the Vision Pro.
Customers desiring the Lossless Audio experience with the Vision Pro headset will need to invest in the new AirPods Pro 2, priced at $249. The Vision Pro headset itself is set to retail for $3,500.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Citizen Wave journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.