Andrew O'Hara
Rumors, supply chain reports, and just the length of time since Apple last updated its AirPods range mean it's likely to release new ones soon — and their features may already be known.
While most rumors and leaks are concentrating on the iPhone 16 range, there is also the fact that Apple is already preparing for the holiday season. That's when the iPhone sells the most — and it's when audio accessories are likely to as well.
Apple is of course not saying what its plans are, and it would be peculiar for it to simultaneously release new versions of every AirPod in its range. Nonetheless, each AirPod is in need of an update, so this is what they need, whenever they come out.
AirPods Max
Starting with Apple's over-the-ear headphones — AirPods Max. They haven't had a single update since they first dropped in 2020, and so they are long overdue.
These well-regarded headphones are currently in a bit of a sorry state. They still sound fantastic, but they still use Apple's old Lightning connector for charging, instead of the now practically ubiquitous USB-C.
Then price drops and some rumors have pointed to a fall release for the second-generation unit. It could coincide with Apple's anticipated iPhone 16 event or an October Mac event, if that's in the cards.
The rub is that this update sounds minimal. Reports from Bloomberg and a post on Weibo have summed it up as some new colors and a move to USB-C.
Both would be welcome, especially the USB-C charging feature, but if the reports are correct, new AirPods Max could still have an H1 processor. The H2 now in the AirPods Pro 2 provides better noise cancellation, and also longer battery life.
Consequently, it would be practically shocking for Apple to launch a new generation of AirPods Max with such an old chip that would prevent it from supporting the latest features. As well as the audio improvements — including Adaptive Audio support — H2 would add full Find My abilities, too.
AirPods 4
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the AirPods 3 have fallen a little flat. If users don't want to invest in AirPods Pro, they appear to be skipping the latest regular AirPods, and instead buying the base, and lower cost, AirPods 2.
That's because AirPods 2 have frequently been selling for well below their $129 price point, even as low as $79 from retailers like Best Buy. With many similar features to the third generation model, it's no wonder they're as popular as they are at that price point.
To address this, it's been claimed that a new AirPods 4 release would expand the range, and come in two flavors. This has been repeatedly said by the likes of in April by Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu and as far back as December, 2023 by Bloomberg.
One flavor of AirPods 4 would reportedly be a lower-cost version. That's likely to be updated with a new design and USB-C while the mid-tier will have better fit, active noise cancelation, and Find My built into the case.
Based on Apple's usual pricing strategy, it's probable that the new AirPods 4 will hit the $129 and $199 price points.
AirPods Pro 3
Moving to the AirPods Pro 3, Apple's top-of-the-line earbuds. These were updated in 2022 before getting a mid-release spec bump only a year later.
That minor update added USB-C, alongside slightly improved durability, and also lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro.
It's far from clear what Apple could add to AirPods Pro next, but there have been patents showing it researching a wide range of possibilities. One such patent has shown that Apple is researching adding a screen onto the AirPods charging case.
Images in the patents have suggested this screen could then be used to do things like invoke Siri and see visual responses.
This one doesn't seem like a very great departure, because it's already been seen. While Apple hasn't made such AirPods Pro yet, counterfeiters have — and some include an on-case OLED display.
That screen showed media controls, battery status, and even a flashlight. Some of this seems superfluous, but some have real potential.
For instance, the idea of seeing the battery status while charging without an iPhone nearby would be very welcomed.
Separately, Analyst Ming Chi-Kuo has speculated Apple will be adding radar cameras to AirPods Pro by 2026. These would better detect when a user moves their head to adjust audio in real-time while wearing Vision Pro.
Further rumors from Bloomberg have also shown Apple's continued interest in adding various health sensors to AirPods. Heart rate and temperature sensors are both potential additions.
Since AirPods Pro were the most recently updated AirPods, it's possible that a refresh is furthest away. Only Apple knows if AirPods Pro sales warrant updating it sooner, but so far, there haven't been any rumors of a 2024 update.
New features coming this fall
If Apple won't say when new AirPods are coming, it has at least revealed that several new features for existing AirPods will be released shortly. Built in to the forthcoming iOS 18 is a series of improvements for at least the AirPods Pro.
Specifically, voice isolation will help improve remove background noise while taking a call and can help people hear better. Plus, new nodding or shaking gestures allow you to answer Siri without talking.
Where to buy Apple AirPods now
Amazon is blowing out AirPods inventory, with prices dipping to as low as $79.99 in our AirPods Price Guide.
We've also rounded up the best AirPods deals across Apple resellers.
Marko Zivkovic
Christine McKee
Andrew Orr
Malcolm Owen
Amber Neely
9 Comments
A screen on the case would be a waste, unless... it's the return of the iPod!
That's exactly what would be a good use of the display on the case. You'll be able to use it like an Apple watch to control the music player so you won't have to pull out your phone.
Didn't realize that AirPods Pro were delivering lossless audio when connected to VisionPro. Since that capability exists, this is no doubt what will be expanded into the next iteration of both the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max when either is connected to other Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, AppleTV and Mac. Particularly for the big headphones, that's the feature that has been missing, making it hard to justify their price. Wired studio headphones already deliver balanced, high quality losses audio at a much lower price. That feature in wireless AirPods Max would make finally them the premium 'no compromises' listening device.