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Apple Explains Why Only USB-C AirPods Pro Support Lossless Audio With Vision Pro

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In a video interview with Brian Tong, Apple's VP of Sensing and Connectivity Ron Huang explained why only the updated second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case support lossless audio with Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset.

Vision Pro Person
Huang revealed that the H2 chip in the USB-C AirPods Pro supports the 5GHz band of wireless frequencies for ultra-low latency and less interference, while the H2 chip in the original second-generation AirPods Pro with a Lightning case is limited to the 2.4GHz band. Apple says it is this 5GHz support that enables the updated AirPods Pro to support lossless audio with the Vision Pro, which is slated for release in the U.S. in early 2024.

The topic is briefly discussed at around the 26-minute mark of the video, as highlighted by 9to5Mac's Zac Hall earlier today:

The updated second-generation AirPods Pro began arriving to customers and launched in stores today. The earbuds are regularly priced at $249 in the U.S., but they are already on sale for $199.99 on Amazon with the USB-C charging case.

Related Roundups: AirPods Pro 3, Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now), Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forums: AirPods, Apple Vision Pro

Top Rated Comments

S
siddavis
33 months ago
So much foresight! Couldn't have included 5GHz band in the device knowing they were going to announce the Vision Pro 9 months later?
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zilchfox Avatar
zilchfox
33 months ago
AirPods Pro 2.5
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ppj845 Avatar
ppj845
33 months ago
It still doesn’t make sense. If it’s the same chip that can run on both 2.4 and 5, then apple should be able to enable 5 on APP2wL via firmware update. If it’s a different chip, knowing apple they’d probably call it H3 already.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
abatabia
33 months ago
This still just…..makes me not thrilled. Sorry. This explanation doesn’t make me feel any better.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Anappleaday29 Avatar
Anappleaday29
33 months ago
Imagine having to look at someone’s charging port on their AirPod pros to get that feeling of newest device superiority
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R
reallynotnick
33 months ago

5 GHz does not seem like an exclusive feature. Even my cheap Chinese smartphone from 2018 supports 5 GHz.
Comparing devices with WiFi to wireless headphones is pointless. WiFi has used 5Ghz for a long time, headphones haven't so it's not going to have the antennas for it.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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