The AirPods lineup is getting its largest refresh ever in 2024, with one main exception


Key Takeaways

  • Apple is planning to launch two units of fourth-generation AirPods in 2024, phasing out the second and third-generation fashions.
  • The brand new AirPods can have a brand new design combining parts from the third-generation AirPods and the Professional mannequin.
  • The AirPods Professional will stay differentiated with their interchangeable silicone ear suggestions, providing superior consolation and noise blocking.
  • The Professional mannequin will not see main adjustments in 2024, however a refresh is predicted in 2025. Alternatively, the AirPods Max will obtain a small refresh with USB-C charging and new colours.


It appears to be like like Apple is about to refresh its AirPods fashions in 2024 in a giant approach, with virtually each mannequin anticipated to vary. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a famous Apple leaker, has found the corporate’s complete roadmap for AirPods, and a few thrilling new goodies are on the way in which. Not solely will these adjustments profit AirPods consumers, however they’re going to additionally assist Apple, which has apparently been coping with low gross sales of its third-generation mannequin.


Apple’s 2024 AirPods roadmap

In keeping with the leak, Apple will part out each the second and third-generation AirPods whereas releasing two units of fourth-generation AirPods in 2024. Apparently, individuals weren’t shopping for the third-gen fashions as a result of the second-gen ones had been cheaper and shut sufficient when it comes to options. By releasing two fashions, which will probably be priced equally to the 2 current fashions, Apple can funnel consumers towards the newest fashions.

The brand new AirPods are anticipated to characteristic “a brand new design that appears like a mix of the third-generation AirPods and the Professional mannequin.” Which means they need to have the shorter stems discovered on the Professional fashions, not the longer ones on the present base-model AirPods. The costlier mannequin is rumored to comprise high-end audio system like noise cancellation and audio system constructed into the charging case to assist with Discover My help.

Best early Prime Day AirPods deals - Apple AirPods 3

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Apple AirPods 3

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Whereas these aren’t promoting in addition to Apple hoped, they’re nonetheless an amazing pair of true-wireless buds that are not too costly.

One place the place the Professional fashions are anticipated to distinguish themselves is that neither new mannequin is prone to include interchangeable silicone ear suggestions. The AirPods Professional will nonetheless have an edge for consolation and blocking out noise, though they’re the one mannequin not anticipated to see any main adjustments in 2024. This mannequin will see a refresh in 2025, however the report would not go into any element about what these will convey to the desk, nevertheless it’s thrilling to know {that a} new model is on the horizon.

What in regards to the AirPods Max?

Apple type of remembered the bigger, costlier AirPods Max, although it is not the entire overhaul some had been hoping to see. In 2024, the report says the corporate will launch a slight refresh in 2024 with USB-C charging and new colours. This mannequin is not anticipated to see some other important new options, so should you already personal a pair of Apple’s costliest headphones, there will not be a cause to improve.

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Apple AirPods Max

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Apple’s AirPods Max are getting lengthy within the tooth, however they’re nonetheless an unbelievable pair of over-ear headphones.

The AirPods Max have not seen a serious redesign since they first hit the market in 2020, so it is stunning to see that Apple is just engaged on a small iterative change and never bringing the newest options to a brand new mannequin.