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Apple AirPods Pro 2 remain on track for a 2022 release as rumours emerge of low AirPods 3 demand and poor sales

Apple is expected to switch up its sales strategies for the AirPods Pro 2. (Image source: David Levêque)
Apple is expected to switch up its sales strategies for the AirPods Pro 2. (Image source: David Levêque)
Reportedly, Apple has rethought its AirPods strategy after lower than expected AirPods 3 sales. While the AirPods Pro 2 is tipped to launch later this year, Apple will not repeat the move of continuing to sell the original AirPods Pro alongside its new earbuds, as it has done with the AirPods 3.

According to new information from Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has altered its plans for AirPods production going forwards. Supposedly, the company has scaled-back AirPods 3 orders in Q2 and Q3 2022 by 30%, owing to a 'failed product segmentation strategy'. In other words, demand for AirPods 3 is lower than it was for the AirPods 2.

Potentially, Apple's decision to continue to sell older AirPods at a significantly lower price than the AirPods 3 has harmed the latter's appeal. Also, the AirPods 3 are not that much cheaper than the AirPods Pro, despite offering fewer features than Apple's 'Pro' earbuds. Ultimately, it seems that Apple has been unable to distinguish the AirPods 3 from its cheaper and more expensive siblings.

As a result, Kuo claims that Apple will discontinue the existing AirPods Pro when the AirPods Pro 2 arrives. For reference, Apple launched the AirPods Pro in October 2019, making them two and a half years old at this point. Reportedly, Apple still plans to release the AirPods Pro 2 in 2H 2022, likely alongside the iPhone 14 series.

Additionally, Apple is rumoured to have equipped the next-generation earbuds with a new Bluetooth chip for higher quality audio transmission. However, it is doubtful that Apple would adopt Qualcomm aptX or Sony LDAC or an equivalent. Instead, Apple could develop a proprietary Bluetooth codec, or it may continue to use AAC in some form. Regardless, the AirPods Pro 2 are tipped to feature a revised design as well, along with improved battery life and superior active noise cancellation (ANC).

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2022 04 > Apple AirPods Pro 2 remain on track for a 2022 release as rumours emerge of low AirPods 3 demand and poor sales
Alex Alderson, 2022-04- 6 (Update: 2022-04- 6)