Apple Prepping AirPods Overhaul for 2024, But You'll Have to Wait for New Pros

26.10.2023 - 22:29 / pcmag.com / New

Apple is reportedly planning to overhaul its AirPods lineup over the next two years, with new versions of the wireless headphones at every price point from entry-level to the Pro and Max models, although the Pro revamp won't come until 2025, Bloomberg reports.

Citing people familiar with Apple's plan, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman predicts updates across the AirPods lineup, some bigger than others.

The base AirPods, currently available in second- and third-generation models, aren't bringing in the big bucks for Apple, likely because they're not that much cheaper than the Pro model. In 2024, Apple will phase out the existing lineup and replace them with two new fourth-gen AirPods, Gurmans says. They'll have shorter ear stems and both will have USB-C charging cases, but the pricier version will support noise cancellation and have a speaker on the charging case for Find My alerts, according to Bloomberg. Neither are expected to have replaceable tips like the Pro line.

The AirPods Pro are also getting an update, but not until 2025. This version last got a major update about a year ago with some subtle physical changes, audio improvements, better noise cancellation, and the addition of a speaker on the case for Find My alerts. A version with a USB-C charger then launched a few weeks ago. With the next iteration, Gurman predicts updated designs for the earbuds and case, improved audio quality, and hearing-focused features.

The pricey, over-ear AirPods Max are also in line for an upgrade in 2024. They too will get USB-C charging and new color options, "but won’t see many other changes," Gurman says.

Also on tap for 2024: new iPads. Though we usually get an iPad refresh every October, new tablets don't appear to be on the agenda for 2023. Instead, Gurman expects updates to the lower-tier iPads in March.

Until then, we have a Mac-focused event on Monday night, which is expected to include the launch of a new M3-powered iMac, plus some gaming-focused announcements. That event is set for 5 p.m. PT on Oct. 30; stay tuned for all the news.

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