Are you considering purchasing AirPods, but are wondering whether or not you should wait for new versions to be released? Below, we have rounded up the latest rumors about the next AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max models.
AirPods 4
Apple is expected to announce both low-end and mid-tier AirPods 4 models during its upcoming special event on September 9.
Both the low-end and mid-tier AirPods 4 are rumored to feature a revised design with better fit in the ear, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port. The mid-tier AirPods 4 are also said to feature active noise cancellation, and a speaker in the charging case that can play a sound for Find My location tracking.
AirPods Pro 3
A previously-accurate leaker known as Kosutami claimed that the AirPods Pro 3 will feature "much better" active noise cancellation compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
Apple already advertises the AirPods Pro 2 as featuring "up to twice as much" active noise cancellation compared to the original AirPods Pro, so the AirPods Pro 3 would apparently be even more improved in this regard.
Kosutami claimed that the AirPods Pro 3 are coming "soon," but it is unclear if this information is accurate, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has previously reported that Apple did not plan to release the next AirPods Pro until 2025. Gurman said Apple has planned to redesign the AirPods Pro, but the exact changes remain to be seen.
AirPods Max 2
Apple's over-ear headphones are rumored to be updated later this year, but the only change expected is a USB-C charging port instead of Lightning.
Beyond the possibility of new color options, Gurman said Apple is not planning any other changes for the AirPods Max, to the point that he expects the updated headphones to still be considered first-generation AirPods Max.
If the information shared by Gurman is accurate, that means the AirPods Max would not be updated with the H2 chip that debuted in the second-generation AirPods Pro a few years ago. As a result, the AirPods Max would miss out on Adaptive Audio features, along with longer battery life afforded by the H2 chip's increased power efficiency.
It has been nearly four years since Apple released the current AirPods Max.
