While we are all waiting for the arrival of new iPad Air and iPad Pro through a press release, there are more devices prepared for this year. And one of the devices that we expect a renewal in a few months is the fourth generation AirPods. AirPods that, according to rumors, will arrive, for the first time, in two models.
AirPods that are starting to look a lot like the Pro
According to sources close to Mark Gurman, Apple suppliers are ready to start production of two new models of fourth-generation AirPods in May. Given the usual timelines, this production start points to a potential launch in September or October, likely alongside or shortly after the arrival of the iPhone 16.
This will be the first time we see two versions of the same model of headphones. We don’t know much, and we can deduce even less due to the change in approach, but Gurman provides us with some data. The redesigned design of both models promises a better fit to the ear, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port.
But that’s not all. The high-end model will include active noise cancellation, something that until now was exclusively reserved for the AirPods Pro. And, as if that weren’t enough, this same model will also have a speaker in the charging case capable of emitting a sound for location through the Find function.
The biggest unknown here is the fit in the ear. While traditional AirPods have not had a cushion, it has been present in the AirPods Pro. A clear difference when it comes to offering active noise cancellation. In this context, the fact that the high-end model of the AirPods – without Pro – will also offer this cancellation raises doubts about the presence or absence of a cushion.
Despite the anticipation surrounding these new AirPods, Gurman clarifies that we should not expect a new version of the AirPods Pro until next year, at the earliest. However, the current AirPods Pro will not be left behind in terms of features or innovations, as we expect a new headphone function with the update to iOS 18. Additionally, Apple is reportedly working on the possibility of conducting certain hearing tests on the AirPods.
As we approach the months of September and October, the anticipation around the fourth-generation AirPods will only increase. If Gurman’s predictions come true, we are about to witness another shift in Apple’s trajectory in the wireless audio market. With a combination of redesigned design, advanced technology, and a focus on auditory health, the AirPods 4 are ready to continue Apple’s legacy in the audio space and take it to new heights.
