How could Apple improve AirPods Pro for the 3rd generation?

[ISignedUpToAskThis]

Assuming Apple release the next gen (3rd gen) AirPods Pro in 2024-2025, what do you hope and expect Apple improve or add to them?

With the push towards USB-C on iPhone I feel as though Apple will have a quicker turnaround for the next generation AirPods Pro, so possibly late 2023 or 2024 rather than 2025.

A few things I'd like/expect for the next version:

• Slightly larger size charging case for up to 40 hours charge with ANC
• 8-10 hours single charge outside of the case
• Larger drivers (I'd be fine with the actual earbud design being slightly larger at the top to accommodate this)
• At least one other colour option (Space Black? Graphite?)
• USB-C (obvious)
• Wider sound stage closer to the APMs
• Deeper bass

If we get the majority of those features (especially the wider sound stage and longer single charge life) I'd happily pay an extra £50/$50.

 

[davedvdy]

Lossless audio support is the main one I was and have been looking for (or higher fidelity audio format support) but the 2nd gen are still a nice step up from the originals in sound quality.

 

[KO7]

Aside from incremental sound improvements, I would love a space black/graphite black version for the AirPods and case. Have had my APP2 for less than 2 weeks (my first ever pair of AirPods) and I’m already wanting a more inconspicuous colour than white.

 

[WeekendGearGuide]

In addition to what’s already been mentioned..

- Better handling of wind noise during windy days or when biking, without negatively impacting ANC or microphone voice call quality due to possible repositioning of the multi-microphones. Bose QC Earbuds II are so far the best at handling wind noise.

- IPX7

 

[usagora]

With the push towards USB-C on iPhone I feel as though Apple will have a quicker turnaround for the next generation AirPods Pro, so possibly late 2023 or 2024 rather than 2025.

I must be missing something. What would the type of charging/data transfer port the iPhone has have to do with AirPods?

 

[ISignedUpToAskThis]

I must be missing something. What would the type of charging/data transfer port the iPhone has have to do with AirPods?

EU directive that all new consumer electronics have to have a common charging port (USB-C). A senior board member from Apple commented recently that Apple will have to comply with that for iPhone so it's likely all new Apple products at some point (probably 2024 onwards?) will also have USB-C instead of Lightning. Expect AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 to have USB-C.

 

[usagora]

EU directive that all new consumer electronics have to have a common charging port (USB-C). A senior board member from Apple commented recently that Apple will have to comply with that for iPhone so it's likely all new Apple products at some point (probably 2024 onwards?) will also have USB-C instead of Lightning. Expect AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 to have USB-C.

Ok, but the AirPods themselves wouldn't have to be redesigned for that. All they'd have to do is make a new charging case, since that's where the charging port is. They could simply continue to ship the same exact AirPods Pros, but just with a USB-C charging case.

 

[chabig]

I think the key word is "new". So there is no deadline for Apple to convert AirPods Pro. Whenever version 3 is released, it'll be USB-C but that could be 2024, 2025, 2026...

 

[Matt Leaf]

I’d like to see them offer a smaller size. AirPods Pro just hurt my ears, which is a real bummer. I returned and settled on a pair of AirPods 2. They fit great, but I gotta miss out on all the other great features. Just be nice if they could work the Pro features into a smaller form factor like the AirPod 2 / EarPods.

 

[TheMountainLife]

1. A true custom system wide equalizer that isn't 8+ year old presets.
2. Notifications when the case battery is low.
3. Matte finish / color options.
4. Allow the case to snap shut so when you drop the case the pods don't go flying. (had one slide under the refrigerator at work)
5. Microphone voice training similar to setting up Hey Siri for the first time so the mic is trained to amplify your voice over other sounds in calls.

 

[ISignedUpToAskThis]

Ok, but the AirPods themselves wouldn't have to be redesigned for that. All they'd have to do is make a new charging case, since that's where the charging port is. They could simply continue to ship the same exact AirPods Pros, but just with a USB-C charging case.

Yeah I wasn't suggesting the AirPods themselves need changing because of USB-C, it'll just be the case. I don't think Apple will just start shipping APP2s with a USB-C charging case in a year or two, as it'll be too close to the next generation ones. I expect it'll just be whenever they release the 3rd generation it'll have a USB-C charging case then, whether that's late next year (very unlikely), 2024 or 2025.