As it always happens in any Apple announcements day, there are news that are expected - such as the end of Lightning connectors - and others that require some deep reading between the lines. That is the case once more with the announcements on the audio front.
With the new iPhone 15, one strange revelation was the fact that Apple is only supporting USB 3.2 (up to 10Gb/s) and not the most recent USB 4 or even Thunderbolt 4 specifications, as it was rumored it would. It's not that it matters much for the regular consumer to have 10Gb/s instead of 40Gb/s both ways or even 80Gb/s on one direction - and it certainly doesn't make any difference for audio. But the new iPhone 15 Pro Max does include pro video specifications that would benefit from USB4 or Thunderbolt 4, as already available on the most recent Mac Studio and Mac Pro models. Also, it is strange to see a technology that is six years old being introduced now, when a superior alternative is already available.
Looking at the wireless connectivity specifications, the new iPhone 15 models now support 5G (sub‑6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO, Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA, Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.3 (which potentially means that LE Audio could be introduced with an update). The new iPhone 15 models all introduce a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip - which we know from Qorvo that they can all potentially enable large bandwidth audio transmission, if that was intended. Also new is Thread networking technology, important for smart home applications.
New AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
To complete the migration to USB-C and MagSafe, Apple also announced updated AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging and USB-C, therefore allowing fast charging. While not exactly a major update to the earbuds themselves, it is a smart way to boost the sales of "the world’s most popular headphones."
The new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C will be available at the end of September 2023, together with the iPhone 15, and will gain new features basically through a firmware update (some in common to the AirPods Pro, and AirPods Pro 2nd generation with Lightning) and in combination with iOS 17. Directly related with the upcoming iOS update for the 2nd generation devices only, will be major features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, Mute or Unmute calls on the earbuds, and improved Automatic Switching across the Apple ecosystem.
Apart from maintaining the superior Active Noise Cancellation, advanced Transparency mode, immersive Spatial Audio capabilities, and other improvements introduced with the transition from the original AirPods Pro to the 2nd generation, the new USB-C version gains a few key hardware features. The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are upgraded with USB-C fast charging capabilities, additional dust resistance with improved IP54 rating for the earbuds and case, and Lossless Audio capabilities when combined with Apple Vision Pro.
As the only available information detailed by Apple in the announcement, "the new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) will enable Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency to deliver the perfect true wireless solution with Apple Vision Pro. The H2 chip in the latest AirPods Pro and Apple Vision Pro, combined with a groundbreaking wireless audio protocol, unlocks powerful 20-bit, 48kHz Lossless Audio with a massive reduction in audio latency."
Wireless audio at 20-bit/48kHz is far from extracting the full potential of the Apple Master files available to stream at the source in 24-bit/96kHz or more, through Apple Music (ALAC as standard). Conditioned by Bluetooth transmission - and noting that Apple didn't make any reference to Bluetooth LE Audio on the iPhone 15 or any new device - we are lead to assume that this will be a new lossless codec (likely a new ALAC flavor) that will explore the full bandwidth available in standard Bluetooth (Classic) to enable an optimized bitrate versus latency (which explains the 20-bit/48kHz limitation). But Apple is very clear in stating that "Lossless Audio only works when connected to Apple Vision Pro," which is strange.
A recent update from an Apple source (Ron Huang, Apple VP of Sensing and Connectivity) added information that the new AirPods Pro 2nd generation with USB-C also have some important differences in the radio module, adding support for 5GHz connectivity. This might indicate that once again Apple will use AirPlay (its own wireless communication protocol over Wi-Fi) to allow streaming between the sender device (in this case, Apple Vision Pro) to the AirPods Pro. Then again, it might be a totally new wireless communication protocol, as Apple also suggested. But at least now we understand that the added performance will be associated with the use of the 5GHz band (allowing faster speeds, lower latency), and the differences between the known limitations of Bluetooth audio streaming over lower 2.4 GHz band, which offers longer range at lower data rates. After all, there's a reason why the Bluetooth SIG is already targeting a future expansion to the 6GHz frequency band.
"When Apple Vision Pro is available early next year in the U.S., customers will be able to enjoy the most advanced wireless audio experience in the industry with the new AirPods Pro for exceptional entertainment, gaming, FaceTime calls, and so much more," Apple adds.
And with iOS 17, all AirPods Pro (2nd generation) gain Adaptive Audio, a new listening mode that dynamically blends Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation, adjusting the noise control based on the sound in a user's environment. The breakthrough experience, unlocked by advanced computational audio, allows users to stay aware of their surroundings, while distracting noises — like group chitchat at the office, a vacuum at home, or the din of a local coffee shop — are reduced.
Also upcoming with iOS 17, as previously announced, will be Conversation Awareness. When a user begins speaking to someone nearby — whether they’re having a quick conversation with a colleague or ordering lunch at a cafe — Conversation Awareness helps to lower the content volume, enhance the voices in front of the user, and reduce background noise.
And finally, Personalized Volume uses machine learning to understand environmental conditions and volume selections, and automatically fine-tune the listening experience for users based on their preferences over time.
The new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) will be available for the same price of $249 USD. For those that still prefer wired earphones, the Apple EarPods with a USB-C will be available to order for just $19.
www.apple.com
Note: Story has been updated to include latest references to the 5GHz band.
