Kuo: second-generation AirPods Pro will have lossless audio support and a charging case that can emit a sound for location tracking purposes
Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro will feature support for Lossless audio and a charging case that can emit a sound for location tracking purposes, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
MacRumorsHartley Charlton
Context & Ripple Effects
Kuo had already framed AirPods Pro 2 as the first redesign since 2019, with a new form factor and improved chip in his earlier upgrade forecast. This report adds audio fidelity and case-level findability to that expected hardware refresh.
The subsequent product launch centered on the H2 chip, new driver, personalized Spatial Audio, and touch controls, while later coverage tied lossless playback specifically to USB-C AirPods Pro and Vision Pro. Apple then extended the same product line with hearing-health software features, showing that the upgrade path was not limited to the original hardware cycle.
First-order effects
Kuo's report raises the expected value of the AirPods Pro 2 upgrade for buyers weighing audio quality and the ability to locate a misplaced charging case.
Apple's anticipated refresh is positioned around both earbud performance and the case as a functional part of the product, rather than a passive accessory.
Second-order effects
Apple's eventual H2-led launch makes custom audio silicon the mechanism for differentiating AirPods Pro, while later lossless support tied to Vision Pro makes that feature an ecosystem-specific benefit rather than a universal Bluetooth promise.
The combination of device finding and premium audio broadens the comparison set for competing wireless earbuds: they must contend with both sound features and accessory-level utility.
Third-order effects
If Apple continues adding capabilities through dedicated chips and post-launch software, premium earbuds increasingly function as an extensible platform whose value depends on companion Apple devices and services.
The later move into hearing tests and hearing-aid functionality suggests the category's durable differentiation is shifting from playback specifications toward software-enabled personal-audio functions.
The trend: Premium earbuds are evolving from standalone audio accessories into chip- and software-led personal-audio platforms connected to a wider device ecosystem.
AirPods Pro 2 will bring Lossless (ALAC) support and a sound emitting Charging Case. - Kuo. If this design becomes reality, more people will loose their airpods pro for sure with current size. It has to be bigger. else its not gonna be entirely lossless 🙈 https://twitter.com/...
Recently some Apple execs talked about how limiting Bluetooth was, so I'm expecting AirPods Pro 2 to use a proprietary standard to achieve Lossless support https://twitter.com/...
I bought the AirPods Pro the day they were announced, and 2 years later - battery life is getting rough. I'd love to replace, but plan to hold out until they can't make it through a podcast episode or a good workout. AirPods Pro 2 sound awesome, though. https://9to5mac.com/...
@tldtoday I think you're misunderstanding. AirPods still blow my mind. I just think there is a LONG chain of hardware improvements that need to be made before bitrate is going to matter. You (rightly) argued AirPods Max didn't need lossless last year.
@tldtoday They're going to have to massively upgrade the drivers and all the other electronics too if they're hoping anybody is gonna be able to tell the difference. 😂
Embrace, extend, extinguish [If the AirPods Pro 2 does support ALAC, Apple will either have to ditch Bluetooth or jump over some of the technology's hurdles to accomplish that.]
Apple, I'm begging you. Put an AirTag inside the AirPods Pro CASE. I've practically never misplaced individual AirPods but the pods in their case? ALL THE TIME.