Kuo: AirPods Pro 2 With New Design and Improved Chip to Launch in Late 2022

The AirPods Pro 2, the first update to the AirPods Pro since they debuted in 2019, will launch in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kuo.

AirPods Pro Gen 2 Feature
In a note obtained today by MacRumors, Kuo said that the second generation AirPods Pro will launch in the last quarter of 2022. Prior reports have indicated that the AirPods are going to launch next year, but excluding one rumor suggesting a third-quarter launch, a specific timeframe has yet to be revealed. The new AirPods Pro are rumored to feature an entirely new design that does away with the stem for a design similar to the Beats Fit Pro.

The AirPods Pro 2 are also rumored to feature fitness tracking capabilities using built-in sensors and a new chip that improves connectivity with devices. Apple recently updated its AirPods line with a third-generation model that includes no advanced features such as Active Noise Cancellation or silicone ear tips, leaving the AirPods Pro next in line for an update.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
airpods color prototypes

Apple Tested AirPods in Bright Colors

Saturday December 27, 2025 6:06 am PST by
Apple reportedly tested a version of the first-generation AirPods with bright, iPhone 5c-like colored charging cases. The images, shared by the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami," claim to show first-generation AirPods prototypes with pink and yellow exterior casings. The interior of the charging case and the earbuds themselves remain white. They seem close to some...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...
top stories 2025 12 27

Top Stories: iPhone Fold Mockup, Where's the New Apple TV?, and More

Saturday December 27, 2025 6:00 am PST by
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from MacRumors! News in the Apple world has unsurprisingly been relatively slow over the past week, but Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone managed to make its way back into the news, while we also shared updates on current and future Apple TV news. iOS 26.3 will be bringing some new features, particularly for users in the EU, so we'll look for additional...

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
53 months ago
Can we get new colors, please?

Matte black, sierra blue, product red?

The white is looking too boring now.

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ApplesAreSweet&Sour Avatar
53 months ago

Can we get new colors, please?

Matte black, sierra blue, product red?

The white is looking too boring now.


There will never be other colors for AirPods than white -If they did, you wouldn’t immediately know that you’re looking at AirPods.

The AirPods aesthetic is iconic at this point and a key selling point for most buyers.

AirPods are just as much a fashion statement as they are consumer tech -People want to be seen wearing them just for the social capital, because everyone knows how expensive they are and that they only really work well with (equally expensive) iPhones.

Every time they release a new iteration and it’s only white they underline and cement the design and branding of AirPods.

It’s like those Louboutin womens high heels that all have the same red soles.

Creating a line of products that every consumer understands what is, can name instantly name, and wants to buy is every entrepreneur’s wet dream.

They’d be fools to do anything other than white.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Justin Cymbal Avatar
53 months ago
I’m planning on getting the new version next year

I bought my AirPods Pro right after they came out- in November 2019 and use them all the time

I’d love to see Apple improve the noise cancellation and maybe add some health features to future versions
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Marco Klobas Avatar
53 months ago

Can we get new colors, please.

Matte black, sierra blue, product red?
And don't forget Alizarin crimson, Titanium white, Dark Sienna and Sap Green. :)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zerlina Avatar
53 months ago
Hopefully the "new chip" integration can manage loseless audio. it would be a bummer if they don't add it.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AlexESP Avatar
53 months ago
I hope they don't remove the stem. It's perfect for music controls, much better than that "tapping", which works 50% of the time.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)