AirPods Pro (2nd generation) debuted on September 23, 2022; a USB-C case update followed on September 22, 2023.
Release timing questions pop up because Apple used two dates for this product: the first day people could order, and the day units actually reached stores and doorsteps. On top of that, a year later Apple refreshed the package with a new charging port and a few tweaks. This guide lays out every date that matters, what changed across batches, and how to tell which one you own today.
Airpods Pro 2 Release Date And Rollout Explained
Apple unveiled the second-generation earbuds during its September event in 2022. Orders opened days later, and retail sales began on September 23, 2022 in many regions. That date is the real “came out” moment for most buyers. In 2023, a refreshed set with a USB-C charging case arrived on September 22. Both sets share the same H2 audio chip, core features, and price at launch.
| Milestone | Date | What Changed |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement | September 7, 2022 | Second-gen model revealed; H2 chip, better ANC, new case |
| Orders Open | September 9, 2022 | Preorders started in 50+ regions |
| Retail Sales Begin | September 23, 2022 | Units shipped; case with Lightning port |
| USB-C Refresh | September 22, 2023 | Case switched to USB-C; IP54 dust rating; Vision Pro lossless when paired |
Why Two Dates Seem To Circulate
Tech pages often list either the reveal moment or the day customers first saw boxes on shelves. Both are correct depending on context. If you’re comparing timelines across brands, match like with like: availability in stores is the cleaner point for shoppers, while announcement is handy for product history charts.
What Actually Changed In 2023
The 2023 batch keeps the same earbuds concept, sound profile, and controls. The case switches from Lightning to USB-C. Dust resistance steps up to an IP54 rating for both buds and case. When paired with Apple Vision Pro, the newer set enables lossless wireless audio with low latency. Price at launch stayed the same as the 2022 set in the U.S.
Charging And Daily Use
USB-C means one cable can charge your Mac, iPad, iPhone 15 line, and these buds. You can also top them up with MagSafe and Qi as before. The case speaker and lanyard loop remain, along with Precision Finding via the U1 chip.
Durability And Fit
The newer case and earbuds carry IP54 dust and water resistance. That’s a step up over the 2022 IPX4 rating. Ear tip sizing still ranges from extra-small to large, and the tips swap in the same way. Many users keep the default tips; take a minute to run the Ear Tip Fit Test in Settings if seal or comfort feels off.
Timeline Details And Availability
Here’s the short version: the second-gen arrived in stores on September 23, 2022 after a September 7 reveal and a September 9 order window. The USB-C version hit stores on September 22, 2023 following Apple’s iPhone event that week. These dates align with Apple’s 2022 announcement and the 2023 USB-C update.
Country Rollouts
Apple lists availability by region in each newsroom post. The initial batch covered the U.S. and dozens of other markets on the same day. A few places saw stock ship slightly later, which is normal for logistics and local approvals. If you bought yours from a carrier bundle, your pickup date may have slipped by a day or two.
Which Version Should You Buy Now?
In late 2023 Apple moved sales to the USB-C case as the default. If you buy new from Apple or mainstream retailers today, you’re getting that version. The earbuds still run on the H2 chip and pair the same way across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. If you already own the 2022 set and want the USB-C case, check whether the standalone case is on shelves near you; stock varies by region and season.
How To Tell Which One You Have
You can confirm your version in two quick ways. First, look at the port: USB-C on the newer case, Lightning on the older case. Second, check model numbers. On iPhone, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, then tap the “i” next to your buds to see the numbers. Printed codes sit inside the case lid and on the underside of each earbud stem.
| Component | 2022 Set (Lightning Case) | 2023 Set (USB-C Case) |
|---|---|---|
| Left Earbud | A2699 | A3048 |
| Right Earbud | A2698 | A3047 |
| Charging Case | A2700 | A2968 |
Feature Set: What You’re Getting Either Way
Both batches share the same core feature list. You get strong noise reduction, Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, swipe volume on the stem, and a case with Find My sounds. Pairing taps into iCloud so your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV switch with minimal friction.
Audio And Calls
The H2 platform improves clarity and low-end presence compared with the first-gen model. Phone calls sound crisp with dual beamforming mics and a vent system to reduce wind. Siri commands land reliably in normal rooms and on walks.
Battery Life
Plan for up to six hours on a charge for listening, and up to 30 hours with the case. Those numbers shift with volume, noise control, and head-tracking Spatial Audio. Five minutes in the case gives you about an hour of audio for quick top-ups.
Tips For Smooth Ownership
Do A Fit Check
A snug seal is half the sound. Try the extra-small or large tips if comfort or bass feels off. Run the built-in Fit Test and shake your head gently to confirm the seal holds.
Keep Firmware Current
These buds update while charging near your iPhone or iPad with Wi-Fi on. New features during 2023 arrived through iOS 17, and more tweaks tend to arrive over time. If features seem missing, update the paired device first.
Use Safety Features Wisely
Adaptive Transparency dims harsh noises in the real world, which can help in busy streets and cafes. Conversation Awareness drops your audio level when you start speaking, so quick chats don’t require pausing your music.
Buying Checklist For 2025
Here’s a fast way to pick with zero guesswork. One, prefer the version with the USB-C case if you’re buying new; that’s what Apple sells now. Two, match model numbers if you’re replacing a single earbud or case so pairing behaves as expected. Three, plan your cable setup: if your phone and laptop are USB-C, the newer case keeps packing lighter. Four, check return windows and retailer policies so you can swap sizes or address any pairing quirks in the first week. Five, add a thin case or lanyard if you clip the charger to a bag or bike; it keeps the case easy to grab without fishing through pockets.
Mixing Parts And Replacements
Pairs need to match. A 2022 left bud won’t sync with a 2023 right bud, and a Lightning case won’t seat a USB-C set. If you lose a side, order the same variant noted on the stem and inside the lid, or go through Apple to pair a replacement to your set. Third-party sellers often list the A-numbers, so double-check the listing photos and description before you click buy.
Compatibility And Devices
The earbuds pair with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch, and they’re fine on Android with core Bluetooth features. Advanced tricks, like Personalized Spatial Audio and easy device switching, lean on Apple software. The USB-C set also talks to Apple Vision Pro for lossless wireless audio, which is a neat bonus if you’re into spatial video and games on that platform.
Care, Cleaning, And Longevity
Keep the mesh clear and the tips dry. Wipe the case and buds with a soft cloth. Avoid liquids and harsh cleaners. If one side sounds quiet, pull the tip off and clean the speaker mesh gently; lint buildup is common. Charge at room temperature and avoid leaving the case in direct sun on a car dashboard. These quick habits keep the mic ports and drivers breathing and the battery feeling fresh longer.
Pricing Notes And Deals
Apple kept the list price the same for both batches at launch. Street prices move with retailer promos. Discounts show up around major sale weeks and new iPhone seasons. If you don’t need them today, set an alert and wait for a drop. If you do need them now, weigh your time against the likely savings; small dips are common, deep cuts are rarer.
Final Take
If you’re asking when this product “came out,” use September 23, 2022 for the original store release and September 22, 2023 for the USB-C refresh. If you’re deciding which one to buy, the USB-C variant is the clean pick in 2025. The experience matches across both sets day to day, and the newer case keeps your cable stack simple while adding a tougher dust rating and a Vision Pro party trick.
Setup Tips For Day One
Pop the case near your iPhone and follow the card that appears. Give your set a clear name, like “Mo’s Pro buds,” so it’s easy to spot in Bluetooth lists. Run the Ear Tip Fit Test to pick the size that seals best for you; a snug fit improves bass and noise reduction more than any setting does.
Open Control Center and press the volume slider to bring up noise control. Pinch the stem to cycle through modes, or set a press-and-hold action if you prefer a single mode. If you commute on trains or buses, keep Noise Control set to block as much rumble as you can.