Apple is gearing up for substantial changes in its AirPods lineup, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The noted Apple leaker claimed that the new earbuds will offer an updated design, enhanced sound quality, and revised cases. While the most eagerly anticipated upgrade is the impending arrival of a new version of the AirPods Max headphones in 2024, users can also look forward to the standard AirPods receiving their update in the same year, with AirPods Pro slated for improvements in 2025.
AirPods, AirPods Pro Refresh Details (Expected)
As mentioned, the forthcoming iterations of AirPods and AirPods Pro will boast fresh designs and an enhanced audio experience.
With the introduction of the new AirPods, Apple is set to phase out its existing second and third-generation models. Instead, they will unveil two fourth-generation models with varying price points. The design of these new AirPods will incorporate elements from both the current AirPods and AirPods Pro, featuring shorter stems. The upscale standard AirPods will offer noise cancellation, a feature previously exclusive to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
The fit of these new AirPods is expected to be more comfortable, though the inclusion of silicone ear tips remains uncertain. Notably, the cases for the new AirPods will come equipped with speakers to facilitate the location of lost earbuds, a feature reminiscent of the AirPods Pro, in addition to a USB-C charging port.
In 2025, the AirPods Pro will undergo a complete redesign, incorporating a faster chip and potentially introducing features related to hearing health, fuelling speculations that they might function as hearing aids.
AirPods Max Refresh (Expected)
For AirPods Max, the primary alterations will be centred on adopting USB-C for charging and introducing new colour options, without any other substantial changes expected.
New AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max Release Date (Expected)
As for the exact release dates in 2024 and 2025, these details remain uncertain. Typically, Apple unveils its new models in the latter part of the year, coinciding with iPhone releases. Gurman speculates that the AirPods will likely become available later in the year, while the AirPods Max is expected to make its debut toward the end of the year.