Apple on September 12 launched the upgraded version of AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging (USB-C) at the company’s ‘Wonderlust’ event. The 2023 AirPods are upgraded with USB-C charger, additional dust resistance and Lossless Audio with Apple Vision Pro. The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) will be available at a starting price of ₹24,900 in India and more than 30 countries from September 22. Meanwhile, the Apple EarPods (USB-C) will be available at a starting price of ₹2000 in India and 30 other countries with effect from September 12.
The new AirPods are equipped with iOS 17 with access to new audio experiences such as Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. The company plans to launch Apple Vision Pro by early next year in the US.
"The H2 chip in the latest AirPods Pro and Apple Vision Pro, combined with a groundbreaking wireless audio protocol, unlocks powerful 20-bit, 48 kHz Lossless Audio with a massive reduction in audio latency," says the company.
In addition to adaptive audio, conversation awareness, and personalized volume, the AirPods lineup will also gain additional new features including Mute or Unmute for added control on calls and improved automatic switching across the ecosystem.
Keeping carbon neutrality in mind, the company has designed the new AirPods Pro with 100% recycled rare earth elements and 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets and 100% recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards. The case of AirPods also uses 100% recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board and 100% recycled aluminium in the hinge.
"AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are free of potentially harmful substances such as mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium. Redesigned packaging eliminates the outer plastic wrap, and 90% or more of the packaging is made using fibre-based materials, bringing Apple closer to its goal of completely removing plastic from all packaging by 2025," says the company.
The company plans to achieve 100% carbon neutrality across its entire manufacturing supply chain and all product life cycles by 2030. "This means that every Apple device sold, from component manufacturing, assembly, transport, customer use, charging, all the way through recycling and material recovery, will have net-zero climate impact," says the company.
During the launch, the company revealed that Apple suppliers operating across 28 countries have committed to bringing over 20 gigawatts of renewable energy online through Apple’s Supplier Clean Energy Program.
“As we experience record temperatures and devastating storms, we all have an urgent responsibility to reduce emissions and protect against the worst impacts of climate change,” says Sarah Chandler, Apple’s vice president of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation.
On September 12, the company also launched Apple Watch Series 9 and iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and unveiled iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
