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MagyarApple AirPods (4th generation), AirPods Pro (3rd generation), and new AirPods Max leak out with ANC for cheaper buds and hearing aid feature
Apple is reportedly preparing two new AirPods models for release in 2024 and a refresh to the company’s expensive AirPods Max over-ear headphones. The report, courtesy of Mark Gurman, also reveals information about the next-generation AirPods Pro due for a 2025 launch.
Apple AirPods (4th generation)
In the latest edition of the PowerOn newsletter, Gurman alleges that Cupertino is preparing two new AirPods models for 2024. Sitting below the AirPods Pro, the 4th generation AirPods reportedly bring a new design alongside a new case and USB-C charging. To somewhat mitigate the feature disparity between the base AirPods and the AirPods Pro, Apple is also rumored to include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) into the more expensive of the two AirPods 4 models.
Per Gurman, Apple’s decision to release not one but two cheaper AirPods SKUs has to do with the lackluster consumer response to the AirPods (3rd generation) which are a minor upgrade over the 2nd-gen AirPods (Available on Amazon). By bringing features such as ANC to cheaper AirPods, Apple could attract consumers who are looking for cost-effective buds with high-end features.
Talking about high-end features, Gurman doubles down on his previous report of Apple developing a “hearing aid” feature for the AirPods. The company is supposedly looking to release the feature later next year and hopes to “upend a multi-billion dollar industry”.
Next-generation AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max over-ear headphones sit atop the company’s AirPods lineup. With a retail price of more than US$500, the headphones are meant to serve the premium audio gear market. Gurman posits that, since the AirPods Max (Available on Amazon) are not a big seller, Apple is only investing in new colors and USB-C for the new model. Finally, Gurman suggests that the new AirPods Max will also debut next year.
In other words, fans who were hoping for a new design and features for the next-gen AirPods Max could be in for a disappointment.
AirPods Pro (3rd Generation)
Apple first introduced the AirPods Pro in 2019 and has since only majorly updated the buds once in 2022 in the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) (Available on Amazon). According to Gurman, Apple is developing the new AirPods Pro (3rd generation) for release in 2025.
While the analyst doesn’t share any specs and technical details, Gurman alleges that Apple is prioritizing comfort when it comes to the AirPods Pro 3. Additionally, Apple could be in the early stages of developing body temperature measurement and health-tracking features for the AirPods Pro (3rd generation).
It remains to be seen how much of what Gurman reports is accurate. Till we have official confirmation from Apple, take the information with a grain of salt, as the new AirPods are not anywhere close to release.
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