Apple Updates AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C and Upcoming Lossless Wireless Audio Protocol

As expected, on September 12, Apple announced the new iPhone 15 series models, which now all have USB-C connectors (but only use USB3). More importantly, Apple introduced new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C charging capabilities and anticipated new audio experiences to all AirPods Pro models with iOS 17 updates. Between the lines there is an announcement about an upcoming "groundbreaking wireless audio protocol" supporting lossless audio over 5GHz.

xMEMS Labs and Bujeon Electronics have partnered to create a family of 2-way speaker modules to accelerate design of next generation high-resolution and lossless audio-capable TWS earbuds. The solution integrates a high-performance 9mm dynamic driver custom-designed by Bujeon with an xMEMS' Cowell tweeter, the world’s smallest monolithic MEMS microspeaker at just 22mm. The reference design combines an xMEMS Aptos MEMS speaker amplifier to create a "drop-in" solution compatible with today’s leading TWS system-on-chips.

Following previous announcements in development platforms and solutions for wireless audio, Qualcomm announced Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, a new end-to-end approach to promote high resolution digital audio and enhanced voice communications across devices. The approach combines and optimizes multiple Qualcomm technologies for mobile platforms, processing, connectivity, plus the latest aptX Adaptive audio technologies needed to improve the sound experience for consumers.