Apple AirPods Pro 2 coming later this year, will fix one MISTAKE from AirPods 3 launch

Apple AirPods Pro 2 will launch later this year and will completely replace the original model to create more sales.

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd generation to launch later this year with a new design. (HT Tech)

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 has been long in the rumours and leaks have told us about the delays due to the chip supply constraints. However, it seems like Apple may be readying the new model for a launch later this year, as suggested by popular Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. But this time, Apple is said to follow a different sales strategy than the one it did for the AirPods 3rd Generation model.

Kuo says that unlike the AirPods 3, Apple won't put it on the shelves alongside the older model. Hence, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation will completely replace the current-gen AirPods Pro, which have been around since 2019 and got a mild upgrade last year. Again, Apple is yet to confirm anything on this front and hence, you should take all of this with a pinch of salt.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 to follow different strategy

When the AirPods 3 were announced late last year, Apple also kept the older 2nd generation AirPods on sale as a more affordable alternative. Given that the differences between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 are not as substantial, most people have considered the older and affordable model. The AirPods 3 has been only a few bucks cheaper than the AirPods Pro and many have considered buying the Pro for a bit more to get a better experience.

“AirPods 3 orders for 2-3Q22 have been cut by 30%+. Due to the failed product segmentation strategy, demand for AirPods 3 is significantly weaker than for AirPods 2,” says Kuo.

“AirPods Pro may get discontinued after Apple launches AirPods Pro 2 in 2H22 to avoid repeating the same mistake,” he added.

The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation is expected to be substantial upgrade over the current-gen model. The new model is said to lose its stem design in favour of a more in-ear design, something more akin to the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. Other than the audio performance improvements, the new AirPods Pro is also said to focus on fitness monitoring, thereby enhancing its fitness tracking ecosystem of products.

The upgrades could, however, warrant a higher price tag. Apple India has already increased the prices of the AirPods models hours ago. The AirPods Gen 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max are all substantially more expensive that before, with Apple offering no explanation behind the price hike.