Over the past decade, Apple has been releasing a Pro version of its most popular products. We’ve had MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPhone Pro, and now we have AirPods Pro.
All these products bring more features and, of course, a significantly higher price tag when compared to their standard version. But are these products considered “Pro” like Apple has been naming them?
For the sake of this article, we’ll focus on the newly released AirPods Pro.
Marketing Strategies of Apple’s AirPods
Since Apple introduced its iconic AirPods, they’ve become its newest successful product. In fact, they’re one of the best true wireless earbuds on the market right now, if not the best.
The second generation of AirPods wasn’t really a big step forward from their predecessors.
They look identical design-wise and have the same battery life and touch controls. The only meaningful updates are the wireless charging case, which is optional, and the new H1 chipset, which brings a better user experience.
If we use some rational thoughts here, the new AirPods would be the equivalent of the “S” version of an iPhone. So, why did Apple call them the second generation? Well, it’s pure marketing strategies.
Fast-forward to AirPods Pro, which is truly the second generation of AirPods, but again, Apple used clever marketing strategies and called them Pro.
Now, the question that we all need to ask ourselves is at what point does a consumer device become a “Pro”? Is Apple trying to convince us that the AirPods Pro are meant for professional use? What about the standard AirPods, what kind of buyers are they targeting?
Check this out: How to connect AirPods to your MacBook
AirPods Pro New Design and Features
AirPods Pro come with a few notable updates that set them apart from the standard AirPods. Desing-wise, the new AirPods Pro have undergone a major facelift. They’re now smaller, have much shorter stems, and come with swappable in-ear tips.
In terms of new features, AirPods Pro have more bass and improved sound quality, thanks to an adaptive EQ and better Siri functionality.
They also have a nice Audio sharing feature that lets you send music from one iPhone to multiple earbuds. They finally support sweat and water resistance for the first time (at IPX4).
As for battery life, it’s about the same as second-gen AirPods (5 hours on a single charge), only if you turn off Active noise cancelation and Transparency mode features. Otherwise, you’d get four-and-a-half hours of listening time when they’re turned on. Let that sink in for a minute.
The two of the biggest reasons why people would get the AirPods Pro will be a deal-breaker for most users.
Think about it for a second. You’re paying extra money for the AirPods Pro’s exclusive features that come with a downside when using them. You’re literally getting less battery life than the standard AirPods. I don’t know how you feel about that.
All of these features just don’t justify the “Pro” moniker. They are regular features that average users should expect from a product that comes with a premium price.
But Apple keeps slamming the word “Pro” on all its products with more features, devaluating the true meaning of Pro.
Are the AirPods Pro Worth It?
According to Apple, these AirPods are “Pro” because they have better features than the regular AirPods. Look, AirPods Pro are not Pro by any means. There’s nothing in the AirPods Pro that is meant for professional use.
Think about professional cameras or professional headphones, these are products that were built specifically with professionals in mind.
That’s why they cost thousands of dollars. Do you see average consumers dropping thousands of dollars on professional cameras? The answer is no.
This is just a marketing campaign that Apple uses to potentially charge its customers more money.
The company has used a similar strategy with the iPhone 11 Pro. They trick everyone into thinking the iPhone 11 is affordable when, in fact, it’s not. The real iPhone 11 is the iPhone 11 Pro, which costs $1000, and the iPhone 11 is the iPhone XR successor with two rear cameras.
Don’t get me wrong. Without a doubt, AirPods Pro are a fantastic pair of wireless earbuds with decent features. If you’re deep into Apple’s ecosystem, don’t give it a second thought; go for the AirPods Pro.
But if you’re looking for excellent sound quality, the Sony WF-1000XM3, which, by the way, is cheaper and has a better battery life, might be a better option for you.
If you just bought the standard AirPods 2 and don’t care about noise-canceling features, there’s no need to upgrade to AirPods Pro.
Let me know what you think in the comment section below.
Thanks man… Nice article!
I never thought about it like this. Gives a whole new perspective on buying their stuff. Really, thanks! 😉
Hey Chris. You’re much welcome. Glad to hear that you enjoyed reading the article.