by Joe Rossignol
Apple still plans to release multiple new AirPods models later this year, according to the latest information shared by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In an October 2023 edition of his Power On newsletter, Gurman said Apple planned to release two fourth-generation AirPods models and updated AirPods Max in "late 2024." On Sunday, he confirmed that this plan is "still underway."
Gurman expects the entry-level fourth-generation AirPods to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port. He also expects higher-end fourth-generation AirPods with active noise cancellation and a speaker in the charging case that can play a sound for Find My location tracking.
Apple plans to discontinue the second-generation and third-generation AirPods after launching the two fourth-generation models, he said.
The updated AirPods Max will feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning for charging and wired audio playback, but no other major changes, according to Gurman. He said the over-ear headphones might also be available in new colors. The current color options include Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.
Gurman expects new AirPods Pro to launch in 2025 with design changes and an "updated chip," which may refer to an H3 chip for improved sound quality.
Apple unveiled the third-generation AirPods during its October 2021 event, while the AirPods Max were announced in a December 2020 press release.
Related Roundups: AirPods 3, AirPods Max
Tag: Mark Gurman
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Don't Buy), AirPods Max (Caution)
Related Forum: AirPods
[ 47 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
mrhansolo
20 hours ago at 06:46 am
I don't understand why the Max's would only get a port update. It's the premiere product of the AirPod line and with the Pros being updated with a new chip and base airpods rumored to receive both design and chip updates, it makes no sense why Apple wouldn't do more to upgrade the internals on the Max's. I'm considering some over-the-ear headphones for home use and the Max is at the top of my list due to the integration with all other Apple products. However, if the next generation keeps the same internals (which at that point will be close to 5-years old) then it would be a definite no go for me.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sigmasirrus
20 hours ago at 06:46 am
Come on, AirPods Max needs lossless audio. It should have had it on day one.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
andrewxgx
20 hours ago at 06:38 am
do they still plan to upsell AirPods Pro by making regular AirPods fall out of your ears?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macmac30
19 hours ago at 07:58 am
Where do the pros go from here? The latest ones I have sound exactly the same as the first gen ones I had. ‘Better sound and better noice cancelling’ isn’t apparent at all. Yes there are new features though.As for the Max, they will have to change the colours and/or design or how will people know you’re wearing the latest? Surely that’s all it’s about.
I had AP1 and currently use AP2. The AP2 noise cancellation is so good that I stopped bringing my Bose 700 headsets on airplanes. Now if Apple could figure out a way to make these damn AP2‘s connect to my iPhone 15 pro quicker during an incoming phone call as well as connect quicker to my Apple TV, they would be perfect!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nimrad
19 hours ago at 07:07 am
Hope they do an updated AirPods Max, not just the charge port. I absolutely love them and use them all the time. I don't personally mind the missing support for lossless as I think that's overrated, but it is in the price range that it should support it. What I really want is just an overall upgrade to get up to speed with the likes of Sony, Bose etc. Oh, and no product should release without proper AirTag-functionality these days. My AirPods Max stayed lost for 3 weeks at a hotel because it didn't have proper tracking and they didn't find it.
2024 seems to be the year I will retire my lightning cable. RIP, you were amazing, but I welcome USB-C gladly.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sarcastro
19 hours ago at 07:47 am
If the AirPods Max 2 come with adaptive transparency mode and native support for lossless audio, I'll happily replace my existing set of APMs. They'll be nearly four years old at that point, and the money would be worth it. If not, I'll just hold out another four years.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments
Popular Stories
Apple Said iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 8 U.S. States
Monday February 12, 2024 7:51 am PST by MacRumors Staff 2
In 2021, Apple introduced a feature that lets residents of participating U.S. states add their driver's license or ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age. Unfortunately, states have been slow to adopt the feature since it was first announced in September 2021, with IDs in the Wallet app only available ...
Read Full Article
New Macs and iPads Coming Soon: What to Expect
Saturday February 17, 2024 3:00 am PST by MacRumors Staff 2
Following the launch of Apple's Vision Pro headset, attention has shifted towards what is next on the company's agenda this year. As usual, March should be eventful for Apple, as it is expected to release new MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Air models during the month. In a recent press release, Apple also confirmed that iOS 17.4 will be released in March. Below, we recap what to expect...
Read Full Article
iOS 17.3 Added New Feature That Every iPhone User Should Know About
Friday February 16, 2024 6:28 am PST by MacRumors Staff 2
Apple's recent iOS 17.3 software update includes an important new feature that all iPhone users should know about: Stolen Device Protection. The Wall Street Journal last year reported about thieves spying on an iPhone user's passcode before stealing the device, often in public places like bars. With knowledge of the passcode, the thief can then change the victim's Apple ID password, turn off ...
Read Full Article
5 Major New Features Rumored for This Year's Apple Watch
Sunday February 18, 2024 3:00 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Thinking about upgrading your Apple Watch or buying one for the first time? If your current smartwatch is doing its job just fine and it's only the idea of a good deal that's piqued your interest, it could be worth holding out until later this year when Apple unveils its next-generation version. Here's why. There are already several rumors from reputable sources that suggest 2024 could be a...
Read Full Article • 43 comments
iOS 17.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone
Monday February 19, 2024 6:52 am PST by MacRumors Staff 2
Apple last month confirmed that iOS 17.4 will be released in March, and the update includes several new features and changes for the iPhone. Key new features in iOS 17.4 include major App Store changes in the EU and Apple Podcasts transcripts. The update also adds new emoji and includes preparations for the launch of next-generation CarPlay later this year. More details about the new...
Read Full Article
'); }
Next Article
Gurman: Apple Vision Pro 2 at Least 18 Months Away
