Malcolm Owen
Apple's next AirPods launch is set to be its biggest yet, with a report claiming that up to 25 million units will be entering mass production in the summer for a fall release.
Apple has been rumored to be bringing out various updates to its AirPods range, including the possibility of two fourth-generation models. Now, it is said that the supply chain is getting into gear for what could be Apple's biggest AirPods launch ever.
Writing in the "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman writes that Apple is preparing to manufacture between 20 million and 25 million units. This is apparently higher than the launch plans of earlier models.
The production pipeline will officially start manufacturing in May, via partners GoerTek and Luxshare Precision, with a view to a release in September or October.
The two models are codenamed B768(E) and B768(M), referring to "entry" and "mid-tier" editions. Gurman adds that the two will have elements such as a new design with an improved fit, as well as USB-C charging cases, but only the M model will get Active Noise Cancellation and Find My speakers in the case itself.
The new AirPods are only some of the changes intended for the product line in 2024. Expected updates as part of iOS 18 include a hearing aid mode feature destined for the AirPods Pro, while AirPods may gain a hearing test function.
An update to AirPods Pro is also anticipated, but Gurman believes it may not occur until 2025.
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7 Comments
The battery does not need to be replaceable - it needs to be solid state. All Apple portables need to move to solid state batteries. I’m surprised that this is not the number one concern for Apple, AI is only a interesting thing to play with while 20-30% gain in power density in a smaller package and faster charging would be a huge boon. Also, solid state has a considerably longer life cycle than current designs.
So far the AirPods 1 and 2 fit my ears perfectly for being out and about. The AP 3 fit ok if I don't move my head, yawn, eat or drink. They're a step back in fit for me but they do sound better than the 2.
The Pro don't work at all for me. So I'm not particularly hopeful that a new design with an improved fit will actually have an improved fit. But I'll give them a try if they are released.