Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro will have a new look, lossless audio

      Tianfeng International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has published the latest Apple research report. He predicts that Apple will release the second-generation AirPods Pro in the fourth quarter of 2022. It will have a new appearance design and support lossless audio (ALAC) and support the charging box to make sound easier for users to find.

　　He believes that because AirPods shipments in the fourth quarter of 2021 were better than expected (reaching approximately 27 million units, 107% QoQ, 20% YoY), Tianfeng International has raised its 2022 AirPods shipment forecast (reaching 90 million units, approximately 25% YoY if there is no shortage of materials), which is significantly better than the market expectation of 65-75 million units.

　　Kuo Ming-Chi pointed out that although 1Q22 AirPods should have been a slow season for shipments, it does not seem to be slow now, and shipments are even almost the same as 4Q21. It is estimated that 1Q22 AirPods shipments will be about 25 million units (-7% QoQ, 32% YoY).

　　He believes that Apple is replicating the successful model of the iPhone. Although the competition in the TWS market in 2021 is more intense than before, without providing revolutionary innovation, Apple has regained the growth momentum of AirPods simply by adjusting its product strategy, which is enough to prove that its brand and ecosystem still have quite strong competitive advantages.

　　In addition, he predicts that Apple will launch AirPods Pro 2 in 4Q22, with new selling points including a new design, support for Apple Lossless (ALAC) format, and a charging box that can make sounds for users to find. He estimates that shipments in 2022 will be 18–20 million units.

　　He also said that future AirPods may support health management functions, and believed that this innovation would redefine TWS and bring about structural changes in market demand.

　　Below is an overview of Apple AirPods Pro on the official website

　　Wonderful and extraordinary

　　AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation for a more immersive listening experience, a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings, and a choice of ear tip sizes for a comfortable fit. Like AirPods, AirPods Pro pair seamlessly with your iPhone or Apple Watch and are ready to use right out of the charging case.

　　Active Noise Cancellation

　　AirPods Pro are incredibly light noise-canceling headphones that block out ambient noise so you can focus on what you’re listening to. AirPods Pro use two microphones, one outward-facing and one inward-facing, to achieve superior noise cancellation. Active Noise Cancellation continuously adapts to the geometry of your ear and the fit of the ear tip to reduce ambient noise, so you can fully immerse yourself in your music, podcasts, and calls.

　　Transparency Mode

　　When AirPods Pro are switched to Transparency mode, they allow external sound to enter, allowing you to hear and blend in with your surroundings. Outward-facing and inward-facing microphones work together to allow AirPods Pro to cancel the sound-isolating effect of the silicone ear tips, so when you're chatting with the person next to you, everything sounds and feels natural. Conversation Enhancement allows AirPods Pro to focus on the voice of the person in front of you, so you can hear what they are saying more clearly when you talk to people face to face in a noisy environment.

　　Earbud sizes available

　　AirPods Pro come with flexible silicone ear tips in three different sizes so you can better adjust the fit. Thanks to the internal tapered design, the ear tips can adapt to the shape of your ears, allowing AirPods Pro to always stay firmly in your ears and achieve outstanding noise reduction through extremely high sealing.

　　MagSafe Charging Case

　　When used with the MagSafe charging case, the battery life is over 24 hours. To charge, just attach the charging case to the MagSafe charger or place it on a wireless charger. If you don't have a wireless charger, you can also charge it via the Lightning port.

　　Superior sound quality

　　Custom high-amplitude, low-distortion speaker drivers deliver deep, powerful bass. Super-efficient high dynamic range amplifiers deliver pure, clear sound and extend battery life. Adaptive EQ automatically adjusts music playback to the shape of your ears, giving you a detailed, consistent listening experience.

　　More benefits

　　The Apple-designed H1 chip significantly reduces audio latency. The force sensor on the earphone stem allows you to easily control music playback and calls, and switch between active noise reduction and transparency mode. With Siri Message Reader, you can ask Siri to read the content of the message to you through AirPods. With the audio sharing feature, you and your friends can also use two pairs of AirPods to enjoy the same audio together, making it convenient for you to share various games, movies and music.