By Julie Clover

Along with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, Apple yesterday launched a new version of the AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case. The switch to USB-C instead of Lightning is the main new feature, but Apple has also updated the sound quality in a way that may upset some of its customers.

AirPods Pro case with USB C
As we highlighted yesterday, the new ‌AirPods Pro‌ feature additional dust resistance and support for 20-bit 48kHz lossless audio when connected to the Vision Pro headphone. At the time, it seemed unusual for Apple to limit a key audio feature to the new ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 when the original version was only a year old, but that’s exactly what Apple did.

According to the Latest PowerOn Newsletter from BloombergBy Mark Gurman Apple has confirmed that Lossless Audio will not be available on the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 with Lightning Charging Case, which is actually a feature limited to the new USB-C ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2.

Apple, in a press release announcing the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 with USB-C charging case, touted the new audio feature, calling it the “perfect true wireless solution” for the Vision Pro.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) will enable lossless audio with ultra-low latency to deliver the ultimate true wireless solution with Apple Vision Pro. The H2 chip in the latest AirPods Pro and Apple Vision Pro, combined with an innovative wireless audio protocol, unlocks powerful 20-bit, 48kHz lossless audio with dramatically reduced audio latency.

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

Customers who want to be able to use Lossless Audio with the Vision Pro for this audio experience will need to purchase the new ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2, which are available for $249. The Vision Pro headset itself is slated to be priced at $3,500.

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