Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen): USB-C, iOS 17 and Vision Pro details

In addition to the new versions of the iPhone and Apple Watch, Apple also released the 2nd Gen AirPods Pro equipped with a new charging case. The MagSafe charging case now has USB-C instead of Lightning and will be available in stores from next Friday, September 22, 2023. But that's not all, because with regard to the current Pro model of Apple AirPods, there is also interesting information regarding use with iOS 17 and with the Apple Vision Pro headset. Here I have summarized everything for you.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Case (USB-C)

You can understand this entire subheading as a product name. At least the AirPods Pro 2 with the new charging port can now be found in the Apple online store as “AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Case (USB-C)”. They can already be pre-ordered there for €279. From Friday next week they will also be in stores, including on Amazon. 

However, you should pay close attention to the product name and product description. On the product page The headphones with Lightning charging case are called “Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). MagSafe Charging case (2022)” – whether Apple will set the new version as “USB-C” or “2023” remains to be seen. If you are not sure despite the year or other information, you will find further information about the connection and the scope of delivery in the product description.

iPhone 15 (Pro) can be used as a power bank

If the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) runs out of juice in their USB-C charging case, you can do so using the new iPhones and one USB-C cable counteract. As you can see among many other things in the product descriptions iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro (Max) As we know, the new Apple smartphones also have USB-C ports. Despite different data transfer speeds, all four models are suitable for e.g. B. to supply power to the AirPods or the Apple Watch.

AirPods Pro functions in conjunction with iOS 17

Will the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) be connected to an iPhone with the new one? iOS 17 used, then new audio functions can be used. Some of these have already been addressed as part of the WWDC23 keynote in June received. The three new features will also be highlighted separately by Apple as part of the charging case update. These are three innovations:

• Adaptive audio: Dynamic combination of transparency mode and active noise cancellation, which automatically adapts noise control to the environment. Distracting noises should be reduced while still remaining aware of your surroundings. 
• Conversation recognition: This function is intended for short conversations. It automatically detects when you start a conversation with someone nearby, lowers the media volume, suppresses background noise and highlights the voice of the person in front of you.
• Personalized volume: Machine learning is used here to connect the background noise of the environment with the selected volume. In this way, the user's preferred audio settings are understood and automatically applied next time when the ambient noise is similar again.

AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and Apple Vision Pro: Lossless audio thanks to the H2 chip

It's been criticized for a long time that Apple has... Lossless audio offers, but has no suitable headphone solutions on the market for listening to lossless audio content. This would require the use of the ALAC codec (Apple Lossless Audio Codec). However, the Bluetooth connections between Apple devices and Apple headphones only use the AAC codec (Advanced Audio Codec). Bluetooth connections are not lossless, as it says in the relevant document Support document.

Despite this, Apple has the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and the Apple Vision Pro Headset the H2 chip installed. This is able to enable the transmission of lossless audio, so that when using the VR glasses with the small earplugs "the perfect completely wireless audio solution“can be used. “The H2 chip [...] Together with a groundbreaking wireless audio protocol, enables impressive 20-bit/48 kHz lossless audio with a huge reduction in audio latency“, It says in the press release on the subject.

Apple September Keynote 2023 as video

The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) were only briefly mentioned on Tuesday and, above all, the new charging case with USB-C port was shown. However, you will also find the interesting ideas of the September 2023 presentation embedded below Apple Watch Series 9adding Apple Watch Ultra 2 as well as the iPhone 15 (Plus) and the iPhone 15 Pro (Max). 

Johannes Domke

[On vacation] After graduating from high school, Johannes completed training as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which led to his independence. He has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others, for several years now. His articles include product introductions, news, instructions, video games, consoles and much more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.