The next-generation Apple AirPods, its 4th generation, is seeing a massive trove of news now, particularly as it will feature two variants to offer the public, set to bring the latest updates for the audio wearable. Apple's wireless earphones have improved drastically since its first release, with the many claims and news behind it hinting its next year arrival, since it was last updated in 2022.
Still, the original release of the Apple AirPods 3rd generation was in 2021, making it a three-year-old device that badly needs an update.
Apple AirPods 4: Is It Coming Next Year for All?
(Photo : Apple Newsroom)
MacRumors reaffirms the arrival of the AirPods 4, the next-gen wearable from Apple that would bring improved features for all, and speculates that it is coming by late next year, by September 2024.
As per expectations, Apple would yet again release the AirPods 4th generation alongside the iPhone 16, also speculated for a 2024 release date around the Fall season.
Added in the report, it is also expected that 2024 will see the first update to the AirPods Max headphones, seeing as much as four years since it was last delivered by Cupertino to the public.
One of the main things to expect in 2024's AirPods lineup would be the USB-C integration that changes charging for the audio wearables.
Read Also: Apple AirPods Pro USB-C Case Now Available to Buy-Should You Upgrade?
Two Variants, Improvements for AirPods 4
The AirPods 4th generation will feature two variants in its next year's release, centering on two prices for the wearable. First, there would be the main release which is the AirPods 4, as a successor to the AirPods 3.
On the other hand, there would be a lower-tier release from Apple that features a cheaper price, one that would reportedly replace the AirPods 2. This would be similar to the Apple Watch SE, iPhone SE, and more.
Its improved features will focus on a redesigned case with speakers for Find My alerts, USB-C charging, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for the more expensive version, improved fits, and possibly, the hearing aid feature.
Apple's Development of the AirPods
The last update in the AirPods lineup was seen last September, after Apple announced the arrival of the USB-C iPhone 15 series, also updating that of the wireless Bluetooth earphones. This is with the AirPods Pro 2nd generation, and while the company did not change anything with its chips or design, it offered a version that brings the USB-C charging case for it.
Moving forward, it is expected that Apple will equip the AirPods with USB-C charging cases and ports already, as part of the company's transition to universal chargers, leaving the Lightning cables behind.
Apart from this update, Apple's 2022 approval from the US FDA regarding its OTC hearing aid features is also set to arrive for the AirPods lineup, sometime around next year.
There is another audio wearable from Apple that is in dire need of an update, and this is with the over-the-ear wireless headphones, the AirPods Max. Alongside the most expensive from the AirPods lineup from Apple, there would be the arrival of the AirPods 4th generation by 2024, and it will feature a two-variant release from Apple, including its mainline release and a budget version.
Related Article: Apple is Bringing Active Noise Cancellation to Standard AirPods in 2023
