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With a successful AirPods line, it’s only natural for users to wonder when Apple will release a new generation of AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Keep going below as we round up the latest rumors on when a new version of each of these products is expected…
When will Apple launch the AirPods Pro 2?
Rumors about the next AirPods Pro model have been around for over a year. It is currently understood that Apple will not change the design of these earbuds. 52audio The publication, which correctly predicted the design of the AirPods 3, shows that the second-gen AirPods Pro 2 will likely feature a similar design to the current generation, but with a tweak to the earbuds.
Analyst Ming Chi Kuo and Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman previously said these earbuds could resemble the Beats Studio Buds. Through its fitness sensors, a study by the company shows how AirPods could be used to monitor breathing rate.
In the report, researchers from Apple and Cornell used model-based technology to estimate a person’s respiratory rate from short segments of audio obtained after physical exertion in healthy adults. Data were collected from 21 people who used microphone-enabled near-field headphones before, during, and after strenuous exercise.
The study found that this audio can be a “viable signal for passively estimating” respiratory rate, which also makes it a more cost-effective method compared to traditional healthcare.
Another change to expect for AirPods Pro in 2022 is a redesigned charging case that will reportedly remain 21mm thick, while measuring 46mm in height and 54mm in width. For comparison, the current AirPods Pro charging case is 45.2mm high and 60.6mm wide.
In a December report, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo confirmed with Gurman that the new AirPods Pro will launch in late 2022 with a “significantly improved” chip.
He also said that the new AirPods Pro could support Lossless thanks to new technology:
We expect Apple to launch AirPods Pro 2 in Q4 22 with new selling points, including a new form factor design, support for the Apple Lossless (ALAC) format, and a charging case that can emit a sound, can track the user. We’re bullish on demand for AirPods Pro 2 and estimate shipments will reach 18-20 million units in 2022.
9to5Mac Sources confirm that the next-gen AirPods Pro – codenamed B698 – will feature the next version of the H1 chip, Apple’s own audio processor. Additionally, references to LC3 codec support in AirPods Max beta firmware tease that AirPods Pro 2 could be the first to add Bluetooth 5.2 support, which will bring more stability and efficiency to wireless earbuds
In addition, Kuo also believes that Apple will likely discontinue the original AirPods Pro when its second generation is released:
AirPods 3 orders for Q2-Q3 22 have been reduced by over 30%. Due to the failed product segmentation strategy, the demand for AirPods 3 is significantly weaker than AirPods 2. AirPods Pro may be discontinued after Apple launched AirPods Pro 2 in 2H22 to avoid repeating the same mistake.
When will Apple launch a new AirPods Max?
For the high-end model AirPods Max, which was released at the end of 2020, Apple is not yet planning a second generation.
Users are expecting Apple to announce a new model since the company released support for lossless quality with Apple Music last June, and AirPods Max technically can’t play in that quality, even over a wired connection
The $549 AirPods Max are expected to stay the way they are for some time, but Gurman reported in May that Apple may only be planning new colors for the AirPods Max:
“Apple has only recently caught up with demand for the product and is not currently working on a second generation AirPods Max, although it has discussed introducing additional color variants in the future.“
With the AirPods Max just becoming one, it’s still unclear if the company will ever update these headphones. 9to5Mac Parker Ortolani has created a concept for a second generation with USB-C + MagSafe charging, some level of water resistance, more colors, etc. Click here to learn more about it.
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When will Apple launch the AirPods 4?
Wow, are you already expecting AirPods 4? Apple just released the AirPods 3 in October, with a similar look to the AirPods Pro but without the earbuds.
These wireless earbuds don’t feature ANC or transparency mode, although the company says they’ve gotten a boost in bass. They also have 6 hours of battery life on a single charge and a new MagSafe charging case. Apple also added support for Dolby Atmos with Spatial Audio with these earbuds.
It’s unclear when the company will release a follow-up to the AirPods, but you can learn more about the AirPods 3 here. If you need accessories, you can find good deals on the 20W charger and USB-C to Lightning cable here.
Which AirPods are you waiting for Apple to introduce? Tell us in the comment section below.
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