Redesigned AirPods coming in 2021, revamped AirPods Pro in 2022

A new report claims that Apple is working on refreshing its entire AirPods line, with new models coming soon for AirPods, AirPods Pro arriving in 2022, and maybe even new colors for AirPods Max.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is preparing a new version of its entry-level AirPods and they are intended to go on sale before the end of 2021. Unspecified sources echo previous reports that the new design will feature a revised case, and shorter stem, resembling the current AirPods Pro.

AirPods Pro are reportedly gaining a redesign that adds updated motion trackers for greater fitness applications. The sources say that the the revised AirPods Pro will ship some time in 2022.

Apple is not currently working on a second-generation AirPods Max, but the company is reportedly considering offering new colors. This is the least certain of the reported rumors.

New AirPods, referred to as "AirPods 3," have repeatedly been predicted to be coming, with various release dates including mid-May 2021.

Similarly, the AirPods Pro have often been said to be getting a new design, most recently with the claimed addition of two different models.

Separately, Apple has recently been rumored to be working on a new, proprietary high-fidelity audio format to facilitate lossless Apple Music streaming to AirPods.

Follow all the details of WWDC 2021 with the comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the whole week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details of all the new launches and updates.

Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.

14 Comments

crowley 15 Years · 10431 comments

About 3 years ago

I hope battery serviceability is a consideration.

cornchip 11 Years · 1943 comments

crowley said:

I hope battery serviceability is a consideration.

Good luck with that.

dcgoo 13 Years · 284 comments

AppleInsider said:

AirPods Max will not see any major physical redesigns, but Apple is reportedly considering offering new colors. This is the least certain of the reported rumors, and there is no projected launch date.

Perhaps color matched to the new iMac?

omasou 7 Years · 645 comments

FjordCruiser said:

So… If I as a very happy user of current AirPods Pro I could be standing next to someone apparently wearing same but actually wearing a cheaper version (and IMHO inferior because they’ll be lacking some of the features I love about my AirPods Pro…). I’m not a wearable tech snob but I’ll definitely be unhappy when the feature-light/cheaper version is released because the person wearing them will be getting the same admiring/envious glances from people who can’t/won’t spend the money Apple charge for AirPods Pro! Same with my Apple Watch Series 6 44mm Cellular, I’m sick of folks saying “aah, so you’re in to Fitbit watches are you!?”… I want to scream “no, this isn’t a fu**ing piece of Fitbit shi*, I wouldn’t enter a competition if that was the only prize… This is an Apple Watch you moron, a REAL smart watch that is worth every penny I paid for it! 🤣 👱🏻‍♂️❤️👁📱 & 🍎 ⏱

Life is too short to worry about how others perceive me.

If you're worried about what those around you think or their lack of knowledge about what you own, it's time to surround yourself with a better class of people.

fastasleep 14 Years · 6451 comments

FjordCruiser said:

So… If I as a very happy user of current AirPods Pro I could be standing next to someone apparently wearing same but actually wearing a cheaper version (and IMHO inferior because they’ll be lacking some of the features I love about my AirPods Pro…). I’m not a wearable tech snob but I’ll definitely be unhappy when the feature-light/cheaper version is released because the person wearing them will be getting the same admiring/envious glances from people who can’t/won’t spend the money Apple charge for AirPods Pro! Same with my Apple Watch Series 6 44mm Cellular, I’m sick of folks saying “aah, so you’re in to Fitbit watches are you!?”… I want to scream “no, this isn’t a fu**ing piece of Fitbit shi*, I wouldn’t enter a competition if that was the only prize… This is an Apple Watch you moron, a REAL smart watch that is worth every penny I paid for it! 🤣 👱🏻‍♂️❤️👁📱 & 🍎 ⏱

Sounds like you’re surrounded by morons. I’d worry about that more than which AirPods other people have.