Apple is said to be working on AirPods Pro 2, but when will the earbuds launch? The original AirPods Pro was released back in 2019, and Apple is said to have been working on the successor for the past couple of years. However, nothing has materialized on that front yet, and the AirPods Pro 2 remain MIA nearly three years after the first pair were announced. So what are Apple’s plans for its next-gen ‘Pro’ earbuds in 2022?

AirPods were first introduced back in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7. The device helped start a whole new product category of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds, with many consumer electronics and audio accessory companies rushing to offer cheaper versions. Apple has since launched the second and third-generation AirPods, as well as expanded the range with the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

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TF International Securities analyst and noted Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo believes that AirPods Pro 2 will enter mass production in the second half of this year, which suggests that the new earbuds could be announced alongside the iPhone 14 this fall. In May, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman also stated in his Power On newsletter that the AirPods Pro 2 will be released in fall 2022, suggesting that Apple might finally upgrade its three-year-old earbuds this year. Gurman also claimed that Apple is working on a revamped AirPods Max that could also possibly launch this year with new color options.

AirPods Pro 2 Coming In 2022?

AirPods Pro

Other leakers have also suggested a similar timeframe for the launch of the AirPods Pro 2. Among them is tipster @FrontTron, who also suggested that Apple’s next-gen ‘Pro’ earbuds will release in Q3, 2022. Apple blog iDropnews also recently claimed that Apple might host an event on September 13, so it will be interesting to see if the AirPods Pro 2 will be announced on that day. Interestingly, Kuo says that Apple might be sticking with the Lightning port on the charging case instead of switching over to USB-C, which is something the company is expected to do with iPhone, thanks to new regulation from the European Union.

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There have been plenty of rumors about the AirPods Pro 2 over the past several months, revealing several important tidbits. According to a report from Kuo earlier this year, the upcoming AirPods Pro 2 could offer attractive new features, including support for Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). The earbuds could also come with a charging case that can emit sounds to alert users of its location. Meanwhile, a new Apple patent discovered earlier this year suggests that the AirPods Pro 2 could also monitor a user’s workout session, and offer advice on how to improve.