Apple may add help for Bluetooth 5.2 for the a lot rumored AirPods Pro 2, bringing in improved wi-fi connectivity and help for LE Audio.
That is going by a submitting noticed within the Bluetooth SIG merchandise database by MacRumors (opens in new tab). This submitting may level to important upgrades for future Apple merchandise and — because the specification contains help for LE Audio with a number of enhancements to the way in which Bluetooth handles wi-fi audio streaming — may very well be particularly useful for any future AirPods fashions.
With the Apple September occasion now confirmed to happen on September 7, we’re hoping to see the launch of next-generation AirPods Pro wi-fi earbuds, alongside the reveal of the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch 8.
Elevating the Bluetooth audio customary
Present iPhone fashions help Bluetooth 5.0, so whereas any information about Apple adopting Bluetooth 5.2 could be particularly useful for the audio capabilities in any new AirPods fashions. We may also must see the identical specification included into all its new Bluetooth appropriate gadgets such because the finest MacBooks, and finest iPads to take full benefit of the advantages, together with LE Audio help.
What’s Bluetooth LE Audio?
Bluetooth LE Audio was revealed at CES in 2020 by the Bluetooth Particular Curiosity Group (SIG for quick), and is the most recent model of the shortrange wi-fi transmission customary. The rollout of the Bluetooth customary on all gadgets is anticipated to ramp up as new fashions get launched in the direction of the top of the 12 months, bringing advantages to appropriate fashions such because the finest wi-fi headphones and the finest Bluetooth audio system.
Working on Bluetooth Low Vitality radio know-how, LE Audio permits energy for use extra effectively, that means battery energy will last more (which is an space the place present AirPods fashions lag behind newer fashions just lately launched by rivals). It additionally introduces a brand new audio codec: the Low Complexity Communications Codec (LC3), which improves audio dealing with and extends wi-fi vary with a stronger and extra steady connectivity.
It additionally provides help for listening to aids, and introduces Auracast broadcast audio, a brand new Bluetooth functionality that allows one audio machine to broadcast to a number of listening gadgets. It will improve how listeners join and share audio experiences at house and within the exterior world, making sharing a standard audio expertise with a number of folks lots simpler (and much more enjoyable).
In July, Bluetooth SIG anticipated availability of merchandise with help for LE Audio to ramp up by the top of 2022.
AirPods Pro 2 and Bluetooth 5.2 outlook
Apple is wanting more and more more likely to launch second-generation AirPods Pro by the top of the 12 months. However the look of the LE Audio submitting appears at little late to be included in any imminent successor.
Whether or not that is all a part of the rumored lossless audio codec plans that will enable future AirPods to playback music at a better high quality is tough to say, however it does make sense that Apple has one thing within the works contemplating the present codec limitations Apple’s earbuds favor.