7 expectations for Apple’s new high-end AirPods

The AirPods Pro 2 are coming, but what can we expect? We list the five most important rumors.

AirPods Pro 2021 expectations

Whether they are going to be called the AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2021: there are new high-end AirPods that support noise cancellation. Thanks to rumors and leaked information, we can already tell a lot about it. These are our expectations.

1. New design

One of the most visible improvements of the AirPods Pro 2 is the new design. Apple would work hard on a new design that completely eliminates the stems. As a result, these new AirPods look more like real earplugs. They will likely still have silicone attachments, so they will stay in place in different types of ears.

2. A new way of operating

If the AirPods Pro 2 run out of stems, you can no longer use it to switch between noise canceling modes or pause the music. Apple will therefore have to find a new way to operate the earbuds. Think of tapping on the side of the earbud, or a greater focus on voice control via Siri.

3. New charging case

The charging box of the current AirPods Pro is quite large, especially compared to that of the regular AirPods. The new design of the earbuds would ensure that the AirPods Pro 2 also get a more compact charging case. After all, it is no longer necessary to make a recess for the stems.

This box will again support wireless charging and have a physical port for faster charging with a cable. As with the recently released AirPods Max, Apple will probably opt for a Lightning connection again.

4. Improved sound quality

Although we have heard few concrete rumors about the sound quality of the AirPods Pro 2, we assume that Apple has taken steps again in this area. The switch from the AirPods to the AirPods 2 also delivered an audible improvement, with deeper bass tones and a better balance of sound.

The AirPods Pro are already a long time old, so there is a good chance that Apple will make some innovations in the audio field in the second edition of the Pro earplugs.

5. Same noise canceling options

With the AirPods Max, we saw how Apple implemented exactly the same forms of noise cancellation as the AirPods Pro. So count on it that with the AirPods Pro 2 you again have the choice between three forms of noise reduction: Noise cancellation on, Noise cancellation off and the Transparency mode that amplifies ambient noise. Want to know more about these three sound modes? In our tip we explain how it works.

Also read: AirPods Pro Sound Modes Explained: Noise Canceling, Off and Transparency

6. To be published in first half of 2021

According to the most recent rumors, Apple is planning to release the AirPods Pro 2 in the first half of 2021. That is striking, because the regular AirPods would also receive an upgrade during that period. So there is a good chance that Apple will provide both the AirPods and AirPods Pro with a new version in a relatively short time. These will then be available in the Netherlands after a week.

7. The same price as the original AirPods Pro

Until now, new AirPods always immediately replace the old ones. That would mean that the AirPods Pro will no longer be available as soon as Apple presents the AirPods Pro 2.

The AirPods Pro are still very pricey now, so we expect the price of the second generation to remain the same. That would mean that the AirPods Pro 2 including wireless charging case will cost 280 euros.