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Apple appears to be preparing for future devices with Bluetooth 5.2 support, according to an entry in the Bluetooth SIG product database published earlier this month. Among other products, this could be a hint at future AirPods Pro with LE audio support.
Apple's application refers to a Bluetooth 5.3 host subsystem, which is likely intended for future products. In reality, the Application However, it is likely to be Bluetooth 5.2, as the Bluetooth versions listed in Apple's applications in the database are often one version number higher than the version ultimately supported by a device, for reasons unclear. The Beats Studio Buds, for example, are listed as having Bluetooth 5.3, although reviews say they support Bluetooth 5.2, while many iPhone and iPad models are listed as having Bluetooth 5.1, although they support Bluetooth 5.0.
The advantages of the new Bluetooth standard
Aside from the confusion over version numbers, Apple's adoption of Bluetooth 5.2 would be particularly beneficial for the AirPods, as the specification includes support for LE Audio with several improvements for wireless audio streaming. LE Audio is a part of the low-power Bluetooth LE standard. Loud According to The Verge, the benefits of LE Audio for wireless headphones like the AirPods could include improved audio quality, longer battery life, the ability to connect more than two pairs of AirPods to a single iPhone, and the ability for each individual left and right AirPod to have its own Bluetooth connection to an iPhone to prevent desynchronization during audio playback.
Will AirPods Pro 2 benefit from the new standard?
In July, Bluetooth SIG said it expects the availability of products with support for LE audio to increase by the end of 2022. Apple is expected to launch the second generation of AirPods Pro by the end of the year, but it remains to be seen whether they will support Bluetooth 5.2 or LE audio. It also remains to be seen whether Apple will add LE audio support to the Beats Studio Buds with a firmware update, as those earbuds already support Bluetooth 5.2. (Photo by yurchello108 / Bigstockphoto)
