Apple AirPods Pro 2 release date, price, features and news

Apple AirPods Pro from 2019
We have been waiting for an AirPods Pro successor since last year when a report from DigiTimes stated we were going to see the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Lite before the end of 2020. Well, that didn’t happen; however, Apple still gave its AirPods fans a pair of fresh headphones with the release of the AirPods Max, an over-the-head set that came at quite a premium price.
Now, several reports lead us to believe that Apple is working on releasing the AirPods Pro 2 in the first half of 2021, providing its customers with an improved version of the bestselling AirPods Pro. Here’s everything we have heard about the AirPods Pro 2 from rumors and leaks so far, so you can have an idea of what to expect when Apple does unveil the AirPods Pro 2.
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 release date
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 price
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 design
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 features
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 battery life
Also read:
- Apple iPhone 13 release date, price, features and news
- Apple AirPods Pro Lite release date, price, features and news
Apple AirPods Pro 2 release date
- H1 2021 (rumored) or Q4 2021 - Q1 2022 (rumored)
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Apple AirPods Pro 2 price
- Around $250 (expected)
This time, we expect Apple to go for the same price of around $250 for the second generation of the AirPods Pro, or maybe go a bit higher depending on the upgrades the new AirPods Pro will offer. Generally, the AirPods Pro 2 are expected (and this has been corroborated by some leaks) to cost around $250.
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Apple AirPods Pro 2 design

Current Apple AirPods Pro and entry-level AirPods
First off, we have a Bloomberg report stating that this time, Apple will go for something different than usual: a design reminiscent of the Galaxy Buds. Samsung's earbuds sport quite a compact look. Samsung even has a model, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, that sports a bean-shaped form. According to Bloomberg, Apple may try to remove the stem that sticks out of each earbud with the next iteration of the AirPods Pro. However, recent rumors state that Apple may not be able to do that given the fact the stem houses the chip for the earbuds, and noise cancellations.
Then, we have a Twitter leak from Mr.White stating the AirPods Pro 2 will come in two different sizes. Keep in mind that rumors from this account have to be taken with a grain of salt as of now: the leaker hasn’t been correct all the time. We have to wait and see if this will come out as true.
Other rumors also state Apple may go for a more compact design, but in what way exactly remains to be seen. Patents state that the earpods may come with some form of MagSafe support, but more on that later.
Currently, not a lot of information is available on the charging case for the AirPods Pro 2. It is quite reasonable to expect it will allow for wireless charging like the first-gen AirPods Pro. A patent spotted by PatentlyApple showcases a more secure hinge for the closure of the AirPods Pro, which we may see in the second-gen AirPods Pro. However, at this moment, the info is not confirmed, and as you may probably know, patents don’t always mean a product will be made or a feature will be implemented. 9to5Mac reports that the charging case of the AirPods Pro 2 may be slightly smaller, at 46mm tall and 54mm wide, while, for reference, the current AirPods Pro charging case is 45.2mm tall and 60.6mm wide.
It’s also curious whether Apple will introduce a smart case for the AirPods Pro, like the one that puts the AirPods Max in a low-power state. At the moment, no leaks or rumors about this have surfaced yet.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 features
Improved noise cancellation and advanced Transparency mode on the AirPods Pro 2
Firstly, we have rumors about an improved ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) on the AirPods Pro 2. The exact way it will be improved remains a mystery as of now. The AirPods Pro 2 are expected to feature a more advanced Transparency mode as well, that could reportedly warn you of incoming hazards by lowering or cutting the sound. Although this is a rumor for the entry-level AirPods 3, it is reasonable to expect such a useful feature to be present on the AirPods Pro 2 as well.
As for the noise cancellation, leaker LeaksApplePro states that it will be “a bit better”: the exact meaning of “a bit better” is yet to be determined.
AirPods Pro gen 2
— LeaksApplePro (@LeaksApplePro) October 19, 2020
-249$
-Better battery life
-A bit better of noise cancelling.
-Ambient light sensors.
Overall, a not so great update, more of like the AirPods gen 2 over AirPods gen 1.
Expect them to release in Q4 2021 or Q1 2022.
Other features that are rumored to make an appearance on the AirPods Pro 2 are compatibility with AirTags (Apple’s rumored answer to Tile and Galaxy SmartTag), automatic switching, Dolby Atmos support.
AirPods Pro 2 ambient light sensors, in-air gestures, MagSafe support
These three possible AirPods Pro 2 features are expected mostly based on patents filed by Apple. Of course, as with any patent, a filing in itself is no guarantee of a confirmed feature, so take these with a grain of salt.
AppleLeaksPro talks about ambient light sensors for the upcoming AirPods Pro 2. The presence of the ambient light sensor could be linked to a patent which indicates the user may be able to control the AirPods by in-air gestures, basically meaning by waving your hand around in one gesture or another to play/pause your music or disable/enable ANC.

The ambient light sensors could also be used in features such as heart rate monitoring or other health-related perks that Apple seems to value greatly recently.
As far as MagSafe is concerned, we won’t be surprised if the new AirPods Pro feature some form of MagSafe support. Apple has already submitted patents about future MagSafe applications, possibly in AirPods and iPad. The patent indicates a thin folio on the back of the AirPods will be snapped via magnets and can constitute a more portable, on-the-go charging solution.

AirPods Pro 2 battery life

Current AirPods Pro wireless charging case
When new leaks come up, we will make sure to include them here, so feel free to bookmark this page if you’re interested in the Apple AirPods Pro 2.