Apple is widely expected to launch a new version of AirPods Pro in the second half of 2022 with design updates and new health-tracking features. TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today reiterated this prediction and further revealed that the tech giant will discontinue the original AirPods Pro once the second generation is announced.
AirPods Pro 2 coming later this year
While the second-generation AirPods are available to purchase even though Apple released AirPods 3 last year, the analyst believes that Apple may discontinue the AirPods Pro, which was launched in October 2019, once the new generation is announced.
In a tweet, Kuo also said that demand for the third-generation AirPods is “significantly weaker” than for the second-generation AirPods due to the “failed product segmentation strategy.” This, Apple is reducing orders for the third-generation AirPods from suppliers by over 30% in Q2-Q3 of 2022.
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. AirPods Pro may get discontinued after Apple launches AirPods Pro 2 in 2H22 to avoid repeating the same mistake.
Kuo has previously said that the second-generation AirPods Pro will feature a “significantly upgraded” wireless chip compared to the H1 chip feature in the first-generation earbuds. The chip could result in improved battery life for a longer listening time. The earbuds will also support Apple Lossless (ALAC) format on Apple Music.
The analyst also previously claimed that the earbuds’ charging case will be able to emit a sound to indicate its location would work in conjunction with Apple’s Find My network. However, we do not know if Apple will include an Ultra-wideband (UWB) chip in the case to enable allow precise location tracking.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously claimed that the second-generation AirPods Pro will feature a new stem-less form factor expected to match the design of Beats Fit Pro and Beats Studio Buds. Gurman also claimed that the new earbuds could feature motion sensors for fitness tracking to be used in conjunction with Apple Watch.
Read more:
