Apple Could Launch These AirPods Models in September
Apple could launch its fourth-generation AirPods model this year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The AirPods (2nd Gen) TWS headset is expected to be phased out this year and the journalist has claimed that the tech giant will finally launch the AirPods (4th Gen) in two variants in the global market. The alleged arrival of the next version should also lead to a price drop of the third-generation AirPods (open-ear model) in India from its current price of Rs. 20,900.
In the subscriber-only version of his weekly Power On newsletter (via 9to5Mac), Gurman says Apple will launch two new AirPods (4th generation) models this year. Customers can expect two new AirPods models to launch this year, Gurman said. The first will be an entry-level model that will replace the second-generation AirPods 2, while the other will replace the AirPods (3rd generation) model that launched in 2021.
Apple is reportedly set to retain the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). They remain the company’s best ANC offering and are currently the only models to feature Apple’s H2 chip, which powers features like Adaptive Audio, improved active noise cancellation (ANC), and a transparency mode on the wireless headset.
Gurman also points out that both new TWS models will feature the same design. The only difference between them will be ANC, with the entry-level model missing the feature, while the mid-range model will feature it. It is currently unclear whether Apple will continue using the open-back design for its upcoming devices, if the higher-end version is to feature ANC support.
The third-generation AirPods Pro, which will replace the currently available AirPods Pro (2nd generation), will likely receive an update at a later date. While no details about this update have been mentioned, we can speculate that some Apple Intelligence features may appear on Apple’s top-of-the-line ANC earbuds, which would allow it to compete with Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 TWS headset that comes equipped with Google’s Tensor A1 chip.
Another update coming to the new earbuds is said to include Apple’s transition to a USB Type-C port. While the AirPods (2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation) models still use Apple’s proprietary Lightning ports, Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have been updated with a modern USB Type-C port, which is also expected to appear on the new AirPods 4 models, in line with regulations in various regions, including the EU. It is currently unclear if the 4th-generation AirPods models will support MagSafe charging.
A previous report suggests that an updated model of the first-generation AirPods Max is also in the works, though there’s no word on whether that’s expected to launch in September. The rumored AirPods Max model could also ditch the Lightning port for a USB Type-C port and support wired audio playback, enabling support for lossless audio playback on Apple Music.
