Photo via BeebomNext

The AirPods Upgrade You Didn’t See Coming: AirPods, Pro, Lite and Max

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Apple’s AirPods have been a hit ever since their introduction in 2016 — but it’s been a while since the lineup received a meaningful update. With rumors swirling and supply chain chatter increasing, it seems likely that new AirPods models are on the horizon. As Apple prepares for the holiday season—a critical sales period for its devices—the possibility of refreshed audio accessories looms large. While much of the buzz has centered around the upcoming iPhone 16, it’s becoming clear that Apple’s AirPods range might soon see some long-awaited changes.

AirPods Max: Overdue for a Revamp

Let’s start with the AirPods Max, Apple’s over-ear headphones, which haven’t seen an update since their debut in 2020. Despite being well-regarded for their sound quality, these headphones are now showing their age, particularly with their outdated Lightning connector, which is gradually being phased out in favor of USB-C across Apple’s product lineup. Rumors suggest that a new version could be released as early as this fall, possibly coinciding with the iPhone 16 event or an October Mac-focused event.

However, don’t expect a dramatic overhaul. Reports indicate that the update may be minimal, with USB-C charging and a few new color options being the primary changes. Disappointingly, it seems that the AirPods Max could retain the older H1 chip instead of upgrading to the more advanced H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, which would offer better noise cancellation and longer battery life. If true, this would be a surprising move for Apple, as the H2 chip also provides features like Adaptive Audio and enhanced Find My support.

Photo via MacRumors // Apple's next-generation AirPods Max 2 will allegedly come in all-new colors.

AirPods 4: Expanding the Range

The standard AirPods lineup might also see significant changes, particularly with the introduction of the AirPods 4. The current third-generation AirPods have struggled to gain traction, with many users opting for the cheaper, yet still functional, second-generation AirPods. This has led to speculation that Apple might expand the AirPods range with two new variants of the AirPods 4, offering different features at different price points.

Analysts like Jeff Pu and reports from Bloomberg suggest that one version of the AirPods 4 will be a lower-cost model with a refreshed design and USB-C charging, while the other will include features like active noise cancellation and a more secure fit. The higher-end model could also incorporate Find My functionality directly into the charging case. These new models are expected to replace the AirPods 2 and 3, potentially priced at $129 and $199, respectively.

Photo via Deccan Chronicle // A rendering of what Apple's upcoming AirPods 4 might look like. As expected, the design changes are most probably going to be quite light.

AirPods Pro 3: What Could Be Next?

As for the AirPods Pro, which were last updated in 2022, it’s less clear what Apple has planned next. The most recent update brought USB-C charging, improved durability, and even lossless audio support when paired with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. While there haven’t been many leaks about what a third-generation AirPods Pro might include, there is speculation that Apple is exploring some innovative features, such as a small display on the charging case for quick access to Siri or battery status.

Patent filings have hinted at these possibilities, and while they might seem a bit far-fetched, counterfeit versions with similar features have already appeared on the market, indicating that such an upgrade is within the realm of possibility. Additionally, analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo have suggested that future AirPods Pro models could incorporate health-related sensors, such as heart rate and temperature monitoring, though these features may not arrive until 2026.

Photo via Applesfera // A rendering of what Apple's AirPods Pro 3 might look like.

New Features for Existing Models

Even if new hardware isn’t released immediately, Apple has already announced some software improvements for existing AirPods models. With the upcoming iOS 18, users can expect enhanced voice isolation for clearer calls and new gesture controls that allow interaction with Siri through simple head movements. These updates will be available for at least the AirPods Pro and possibly other models as well.

In summary, while the AirPods lineup didn’t see any major updates in 2023, Apple seems to be gearing up for a significant refresh starting later this year. Whether it’s the long-overdue update to the AirPods Max, the expanded offerings in the AirPods 4 range, or the potential new features in the AirPods Pro 3, Apple’s audio accessories are poised for some intriguing developments.

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Published to Apple Scoop on 22nd August, 2024.