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AirPods 4 and AirPods Max With USB-C Still Expected Later This Year

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Apple still plans to release multiple new AirPods models later this year, according to the latest information shared by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

airpods 3 orange
In an October 2023 edition of his Power On newsletter, Gurman said Apple planned to release two fourth-generation AirPods models and updated AirPods Max in "late 2024." On Sunday, he confirmed that this plan is "still underway."

Gurman expects the entry-level fourth-generation AirPods to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port. He also expects higher-end fourth-generation AirPods with active noise cancellation and a speaker in the charging case that can play a sound for Find My location tracking.

Apple plans to discontinue the second-generation and third-generation AirPods after launching the two fourth-generation models, he said.

The updated AirPods Max will feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning for charging and wired audio playback, but no other major changes, according to Gurman. He said the over-ear headphones might also be available in new colors. The current color options include Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.

Gurman expects new AirPods Pro to launch in 2025 with design changes and an "updated chip," which may refer to an H3 chip for improved sound quality.

Apple unveiled the third-generation AirPods during its October 2021 event, while the AirPods Max were announced in a December 2020 press release.

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Max 2
Tags: AirPods 4, Mark Gurman
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Caution), AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

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mrhansolo
31 months ago
I don't understand why the Max's would only get a port update. It's the premiere product of the AirPod line and with the Pros being updated with a new chip and base airpods rumored to receive both design and chip updates, it makes no sense why Apple wouldn't do more to upgrade the internals on the Max's. I'm considering some over-the-ear headphones for home use and the Max is at the top of my list due to the integration with all other Apple products. However, if the next generation keeps the same internals (which at that point will be close to 5-years old) then it would be a definite no go for me.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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sigmasirrus
31 months ago
Come on, AirPods Max needs lossless audio. It should have had it on day one.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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andrewxgx
31 months ago
do they still plan to upsell AirPods Pro by making regular AirPods fall out of your ears?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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Nimrad
31 months ago
Hope they do an updated AirPods Max, not just the charge port. I absolutely love them and use them all the time. I don't personally mind the missing support for lossless as I think that's overrated, but it is in the price range that it should support it. What I really want is just an overall upgrade to get up to speed with the likes of Sony, Bose etc. Oh, and no product should release without proper AirTag-functionality these days. My AirPods Max stayed lost for 3 weeks at a hotel because it didn't have proper tracking and they didn't find it.
2024 seems to be the year I will retire my lightning cable. RIP, you were amazing, but I welcome USB-C gladly.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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macmac30
31 months ago

Where do the pros go from here? The latest ones I have sound exactly the same as the first gen ones I had. ‘Better sound and better noice cancelling’ isn’t apparent at all. Yes there are new features though.

As for the Max, they will have to change the colours and/or design or how will people know you’re wearing the latest? Surely that’s all it’s about.
I had AP1 and currently use AP2. The AP2 noise cancellation is so good that I stopped bringing my Bose 700 headsets on airplanes. Now if Apple could figure out a way to make these damn AP2‘s connect to my iPhone 15 pro quicker during an incoming phone call as well as connect quicker to my Apple TV, they would be perfect!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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Sarcastro
31 months ago
If the AirPods Max 2 come with adaptive transparency mode and native support for lossless audio, I'll happily replace my existing set of APMs. They'll be nearly four years old at that point, and the money would be worth it. If not, I'll just hold out another four years.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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