New AirPods Pro Feature Lossless Audio With Vision Pro and Additional Dust Resistance

While the new AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case are still classified as second-generation AirPods Pro, the earbuds have a few other new features.

AirPods USB C Port
In a press release today, Apple announced that the updated second-generation AirPods Pro will support 20-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with ultra-low latency when the earbuds are connected to Apple's new Vision Pro headset launching in early 2024.

"When Apple Vision Pro is available early next year in the U.S., customers will be able to enjoy the most advanced wireless audio experience in the industry with the new AirPods Pro for exceptional entertainment, gaming, FaceTime calls, and so much more," said Apple.

Apple also said the updated AirPods Pro have additional IP54-rated dust resistance for both the earbuds and the charging case.

The updated AirPods Pro are available to order starting today for $249, and will be available in stores beginning Friday, September 22. Apple is not selling the USB-C charging case separately, and it has discontinued the AirPods Pro with a Lightning case. The standard third-generation AirPods and the AirPods Max were not updated today.

Related Roundups: AirPods Pro 3, Apple Vision Pro
Related Forums: AirPods, Apple Vision Pro

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Top Rated Comments

Force332 Avatar
31 months ago
Which AirPods are those?
AirPods Pro.
Which AirPods Pro?
Second Generation.
Which Second Generation?
???
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
abatabia Avatar
31 months ago
So……my AirPods Pro 2 from last year won’t get this lossless via software update and I can’t buy the case separately? Sigh…..Apple…..so not cool.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
perplx Avatar
31 months ago
I wonder if limited to the headset by choice or if it’s because the signal needs to 2 inches away to get that bandwidth.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fwmireault Avatar
31 months ago
I didn’t expect that at all, not that i think lossless will make any noticeable difference, nor that it justifies the price of Vision Pro. But it will be a nice addition for the four people owning both devices and being able to tell the difference
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LogicalApex Avatar
31 months ago

So……my AirPods Pro 2 from last year won’t get this lossless via software update and I can’t buy the case separately? Sigh…..Apple…..so not cool.
A very weird update. But this isn’t what most people would want anyway at this point.

Lossless only works when paired with Vision Pro. Which makes very little sense.

Apple is getting unnecessarily complex in the small footnotes. Earphones don’t need to get this complicated.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zach-coleman Avatar
31 months ago
All hail the AirPods Pro 2.5G!
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)