Apple AirPods 2 Spotted on Bluetooth Certification Site With v5.0 Connectivity

While Apple is yet to formally confirm its AirPods successor, a listing seemingly revealing the AirPods 2 has now surfaced on the Bluetooth SIG website. There is a new AirPods device with model numbers A2031 and A2032 that has apparently been listed since November 1. This is unlike the original AirPods that carry model numbers A1722 and A1523 for its left and right earbuds. Earlier this week, trademark filings debuted in Europe and Hong Kong to reveal the presence of 'wellness sensors' on the AirPods 2. The filings also hinted at some experiences specifically for Apple Watch users.

The listing on the Bluetooth SIG website, shows the new AirPods with Bluetooth v5.0. It also carries November 1 as the listing date and highlights the new product with model numbers A2031 and A2032. These could be related to the left and right earbuds. However, the certification listing doesn't reveal any features or specifications of the next-generation AirPods. The listing was first spotted by MySmartPrice.

Having said that, the recent trademark filings in Europe and Hong Kong reportedly mentioned that the AirPods 2 will have health and fitness-focused features. The filings included a class 10 that describes "wellness sensors" to enable the transmission of "biometric data, heart rate, body movement, and calories burnt". There was also a class to suggest some specific features to build a close relationship between AirPods and Apple Watch. Moreover, the new AirPods are expected to support heart-rate monitoring.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently predicted that the new AirPods will come alongside the AirPower charging mat either in the late fourth quarter of this year or in the early first quarter of next year. As a successor to the original AirPods model that was unveiled in December 2016, the new version is expected to have a wireless charging case. There could also be always-on Siri access as well as some major improvements towards the audio quality.