Apple Is Working on a Mid-Range Version of the AirPods

If you’re in the market for new AirPods, you might want to wait a few months. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is set to release not one but two new AirPods models later this year, offering some notable improvements over the current entry-level earbuds. The company most recently made a minor update to their AirPods Pro last year, introducing a USB-C case to match the case iPhone 15 series’ new charging port.

The mid-range AirPods will be trackable in their case

The report suggest Apple is preparing to replace the AirPods 3rd Gen (which currently retails for $US179) and AirPods 2nd Gen (which goes for $US129) with two new models, codenamed B768E (the E stands for entry-level) and B768M (the M stands for mid-tier). Both models will feature an updated design, better fit, and a USB-C port on the charging case.

While it’s likely the “entry-level” earbuds will be comparable to the current non-Pro models in terms of their features, if not their look, leaks suggest the B768M AirPods model will add Active Noise Cancellation (currently an AirPods Pro exclusive feature), as well as a Find My speaker in the charging case (currently only the AirPods Pro are findable when still in the case).

No new AirPods Pro this year

If you’ve been holding out for the next generation of AirPods Pro, you’ll have to sit tight. Bloomberg reports that a new model of the top-of-the-line earbuds isn’t expected until 2025. However, a minor update of the over-ear AirPods Max, subbing in a USB-C charging port for the existing Lightning port, is also set for later in 2024.

Apple is expected to begin production of about 20-25 million units of the new AirPods in May, with a launch sometime in the fall, perhaps alongside the iPhone 16.