AirPods Pro 2 look pretty much the same as the original, but they're better in nearly every way. Photo: Apple
Reviews of Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) are rolling in. The overwhelming consensus? The design is only slightly changed from the first-generation buds, but almost everything else is improved, with a few minor caveats.
They’re better than the original where it counts most: Higher sound quality, stronger ANC, more controls, longer battery life and an improved wireless charging case.
In short, given that the wildly popular AirPods Pro launched way back in 2019, it’s time for an upgrade for most people.
Apple said AirPods Pro 2 double the noise cancellation, among other enhancements. Photo: Apple
Should AirPods Pro owners upgrade to AirPods Pro 2?
The new set boasts a host of upgrades that could easily be worth it for many people — especially because the price hasn’t increased — and may even tempt owners of the relatively new and well-reviewed AirPods (3rd generation).
Apple’s online store has gone down ahead of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro preorders later today. The company will also start accepting preorders for the AirPods Pro 2 from today.
All products will go on sale on September 16. This is also the day you should get your preordered product, provided you can get your order in early.
You'd almost think Apple is impervious to inflation. Then you look at Europe. Photo: Apple
One of the bigger surprises at Apple’s Far Out event Wednesday wasn’t in the hardware itself, but in its pricing. As in, it didn’t go up as it often does, at least in the U.S. market — despite rising inflation and the supply chain backups we heard so much about.
In fact, considering inflation, it’s almost like prices went down. That said, while each iPhone 14 model kept the same price as its iPhone 13 counterpart in the U.S., prices rose in many foreign markets.
What gives? Is Apple impervious to inflation? Some analysts think it’s more likely a shrewd strategy to sustain demand.
You can start preordering the iPhone 14 on Friday, September 9. Here's how to do it right. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
The iPhone 14 series goes up for preorder on Friday, and Apple’s latest and greatest handsets are likely to sell out quickly. You need do some early prep work if you want to get your hands on the iPhone 14 Plus or the new Pro models as soon as possible.
AirPods Pro 2 also up for early orders at the same time.
Here’s how to be completely ready to put in a preorder for either or both items.
It's a big day for iPhone and Apple Watch aficionados. Here's how to tune into today's Apple event. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Today is the day! Apple’s “Far Out” product launch event kicks off in just a few hours. The iPhone 14 series, three new Apple Watch models and more are all expected.
Just like past such events, this year’s will be streaming online, so you’ll be able to watch it in its entirety as it all unfolds. Here’s how.
There's a lot to look forward to on September 7 at 10 a.m. Image: Apple
The long-anticipated Apple early fall event is just around the corner. On September 7, executives will take to the stage at Apple Park to unveil an array of new products.
Here’s everything we’re expecting at the “Far Out” event, plus the devices we’ll likely have to wait until later in the year to see.
AirPods Pro 2 are almost here. Here's what we're expecting them to offer. (Don't get your hopes up about a black option.) Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
After three years, an upgraded version of AirPods Pro is finally expected at Apple’s September product event. But you don’t have to wait: Many details about Apple’s next wireless earbuds leaked out already.
They’re expected to be redesigned inside and out. Even the charging case reportedly will add new features.
AirPods Pro 2's charging case CAD renders show speaker holes and a lanyard attachment hole. Photo: Andrew O'Hara
CAD renders supposedly of the AirPods Pro 2 charging case appeared online Friday, revealing some changes potentially coming to Apple’s noise-canceling earbuds. They show an opening for a lanyard attachment as well as speaker holes that could make misplaced AirPods Pro easier to locate.
Apple might announce the second-gen AirPods Pro alongside the iPhone 14 at its Far Out event on September 7.
Modders like Ken Pillonel put USB-C ports in AirPods cases, but Apple may not for the upcoming AirPods Pro 2 case. Photo: Ken Pillonel
Apple products are shifting from Cupertino’s proprietary Lightning connectors to USB-C, but the switch may not be in the cards for the second generation of AirPods Pro, expected to ship before the end of the year.
AirPods Pro 2 could be among Apple's earphones that take advantage of the new Bluetooth standard. Photo: Killian Bell / Cult of Mac
The standards body behind Bluetooth technology said Tuesday the next-gen version first promoted two years ago is finally here. With Bluetooth LE Audio now complete, new headphones like the upcoming AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max can incorporate an array of improvements.
Just to name a few, we can expect better sound, improved power efficiency and connectivity to an “unlimited” number of devices if Apple fully integrates the new standard.
A great deal is a great deal, but the coming AirPods Pro 2 may feature sweet upgrades. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Some great sales prices have popped up lately for Apple’s flagship earbuds, AirPods Pro. That may relate to the fact that the highly anticipated next-gen version with new features is expected to launch before the end of the year. And sellers want to clear out stock.
So should you take the deal behind door No. 1, or wait for whatever’s coming with AirPods Pro 2 behind door No. 2? Let’s look at your options for Apple’s top active noise-cancelling (ANC) wireless earbuds.
The AirPods Pro 2 could be made in Vietnam Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
A reliable Apple analyst claims AirPods Pro 2 will enter mass production in the second half of 2022. The noise-canceling earbuds’ charging case will continue to feature a Lightning connector instead of switching to USB-C.
This time around, Apple suppliers will mass produce the AirPods Pro 2 in Vietnam instead of China, long the company’s primary manufacturing hub.