We have heard this rumor earlier than, however in response to Apple tipster and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple suppliers are on the point of produce tens of millions of recent 4th-generation AirPods this Could, forward of an anticipated launch this fall. These ought to arrive alongside the subsequent iPhone, which is able to presumably be known as the iPhone 16. One of many new AirPods fashions would be the successor to the AirPods 3, which function an open design, whereas the opposite could also be a extra inexpensive noise-canceling mannequin that is a step all the way down to the AirPods Professional 2.
Each fashions have been rumored for some time, and final yr Gurman additionally talked concerning the AirPods Max 2 arriving concurrently the 2 new in-ear AirPods in 2024. Apple has launched a brand new set of AirPods yearly since 2019, however final yr we solely obtained the AirPods Professional 2 in a USB-C model, accompanied by some nebulous references to an up to date acoustic structure. It is broadly anticipated that each one AirPods going ahead will function USB-C connectivity, together with the subsequent AirPods Max.
There have been reviews that the AirPods 3 haven’t been promoting all that properly as many people are nonetheless shopping for the cheaper AirPods 2, which record for $129 however often promote for $99 or much less. Incessantly discounted to $150, the $169 AirPods 3 sound considerably higher than the AirPods 2 however have a bigger bud design that does not match smaller ears in addition to the AirPods 2. Rumors persist that the AirPods 4 will function a redesign and exchange each the AirPods 3 and AirPods 2, however we’ll have to attend and see whether or not that proves true.
The previous few years there’s been chatter that Apple was planning on releasing less-expensive noise-isolating earbuds with silicone ear suggestions. The AirPods Professional 2 record for $249 however often promote for $200 or much less at Amazon and different different on-line retailers (they’re $190 proper now). I believe {that a} step-down model of the AirPods Professional 2 (maybe to be known as AirPods 4 NC?), would want to hold a avenue worth of $150 or much less to make any sense in any respect — and it is unclear why Apple would wish to cannibalize gross sales of the AirPods Professional 2. It is also potential that Apple is rethinking its pricing technique for the AirPods 4 because the AirPods 2 have retained their enchantment, largely attributable to their sub-$100 worth level. As Gurman reiterated in his e-newsletter, “The brand new AirPods are a renewed push into the decrease finish of the market.”
Learn extra: Greatest Apple AirPods of 2024
Whereas Gurman’s newest report talks about Apple producing 20 to 25 million items of the brand new AirPods 4th-generation fashions, “a rise over prior new fashions,” there is no point out of second-generation AirPods Max headphones going into manufacturing. I might be shocked if the AirPods Max, which had been launched in 2020, weren’t upgraded this yr, however an upgraded model of the AirPods Professional 2 is not anticipated till 2025. Nonetheless, Gurman says he is heard that the present AirPods Professional 2 are getting new function upgrades with the launch of iOS 18 later this yr, together with a brand new hearing-aid mode that would enchantment to a variety of of us with gentle to reasonable listening to loss.
Apple usually does not reply to rumors, however CNET has reached out to Apple for remark, and we’ll replace this put up ought to we get a reply.