New AirPods Pro model may launch in late 2020, early 2021

Apple may be planning on releasing a new generation of its AirPods Pro wireless headphones later than previously expected, in the second half of 2020 or sometime in 2021.

Rumors about a new entry-level version of AirPods Pro have been circulating in February via supply chain reports by DigiTimes. Since then, serial leaker Jon Prosser has suggested that the device could be a fitness-focused accessory dubbed "AirPods X."

A paywalled preview of an upcoming DigiTimes story, citing sources in Apple's supply chain, suggests that the launch of a new AirPods Pro generation could be deferred until the second half of the 2020, or "even 2021."

Previously, Prosser suggested that the "AirPods X" could debut in September or October. Based on that timeline, DigiTimes' vague "second half of 2020" prediction doesn't necessarily suggest a profound delay. It could hint at a launch later than originally planned, such as in late 2020 or early 2021.

Adding confusion to current rumors is a more recent forecast by Prosser. On Sunday, Prosser said that new AirPods that were originally slated for a March event debut are now "ready to go" for a launch in May. It's possible that this is simply a new version of standard AirPods, instead of anything related to AirPods Pro.

9 Comments

macgui 18 Years · 2493 comments

About 4 years ago

Whatever is being introduced, I hope the AirPods 2 stay the same shape. They and the the Gen 1 fit my ears perfectly where the Pros do not. Besides the Etymotic style buds, the Pros are the first silicone tips that hurt my ears. Different size tips didn't help.

fred1 12 Years · 1141 comments

A new version of a great product is always nice, but I’m wondering what the improvements will be. Another story say these may even not have active noise cancelling.

elijahg 19 Years · 2854 comments

I very much doubt a new version of the Pros will be out less than a year after the current ones. Seems like very little time to research, develop and debug new features. I suspect these are either (standard) Airpods 3, or the Airpods pro-lite. Which IMO will be like the Pros, with a silicone tip but without ANC and maybe without the force sensor for inputs.

macgui said:

Whatever is being introduced, I hope the AirPods 2 stay the same shape. They and the the Gen 1 fit my ears perfectly where the Pros do not. Besides the Etymotic style buds, the Pros are the first silicone tips that hurt my ears. Different size tips didn't help.

The pros hurt my ears too :( I have persevered and apparently my ears have morphed to the shape of the pros somewhat, but they don't stay in well no matter what size tip I use. Got to push them in every 20 minutes or so. The normal iPhone ones hurt my ears after a while, and I don't think I've ever spoken to anyone who finds them comfortable. Never had a fitment or comfort issue with any other headphones from any other brand, be them in-ear or normal ones - excepting the old wired Apple in-ear ones circa 2008(!) Those never fall out and are really comfortable.

Beats 5 Years · 3073 comments

elijahg said:

macgui said:

Whatever is being introduced, I hope the AirPods 2 stay the same shape. They and the the Gen 1 fit my ears perfectly where the Pros do not. Besides the Etymotic style buds, the Pros are the first silicone tips that hurt my ears. Different size tips didn't help.

The pros hurt my ears too :( I have persevered and apparently my ears have morphed to the shape of the pros somewhat, but they don't stay in well no matter what size tip I use. Got to push them in every 20 minutes or so. The normal iPhone ones hurt my ears after a while, and I don't think I've ever spoken to anyone who finds them comfortable. Never had a fitment or comfort issue with any other headphones from any other brand, be them in-ear or normal ones - excepting the old wired Apple in-ear ones circa 2008(!) Those never fall out and are really comfortable.

Any 3rd party ear pieces that can help?

I wanna see Apple develop memory foam type earbuds.