Whispers in the tech world suggest Apple might be shaking up its AirPods lineup. Renowned Apple insider Mark Gurman predicts the arrival of not one, but two new AirPods variants as early as next month’s highly anticipated iPhone 16 event.
This strategic move would introduce a more affordable, feature-packed model to replace the aging second-generation AirPods, while a higher-end variant with active noise cancellation (ANC) would take the reins from the current third-generation AirPods.
Both models are expected to share a similar design, and interestingly, the pricier version would mark the first non-Pro AirPods to boast ANC. This would provide a more budget-friendly option for noise-canceling earbuds compared to the current AirPods Pro.
This AirPods refresh also paves the way for Apple to seamlessly transition its entire AirPods lineup to the USB-C charging standard, aligning them with the upcoming iPhone 15 series and select iPad models.
While the second-generation AirPods are likely to be phased out, the third-generation model might stick around, albeit at a significantly reduced price. Despite facing a slight dip in revenue in the last quarter, Apple’s AirPods continue to dominate the TWS market, showcasing their enduring popularity.
With these potential changes, Apple seems poised to maintain its lead in the wireless earbuds arena, offering a wider range of options to cater to different budgets and preferences. Keep your ears peeled for the official announcement next month – it seems the AirPods family is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
