Will 2024 Be the Year of AirPods? Expectations and Rumors
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Chapter 1: Anticipating the Future of AirPods
As we look ahead to 2024, Apple is expected to unveil the 4th generation of AirPods, refresh the long-awaited AirPods Max, and stir up even more speculation regarding the next iteration of AirPods Pro.
There’s no doubt that Apple has ambitions for its audio products this coming year. However, if you’re hoping for major innovations, you might want to temper your expectations. One significant detail seems to be missing from the current buzz surrounding the AirPods lineup, which is somewhat concerning.
For those still clinging to a pair of EarPods due to their reliable cable connection (a loyalty I can appreciate), 2024 could be the ideal moment to transition to AirPods.
For the Love of AirPods
Apple’s products are often described as having a unique allure. Whether you love or dislike the brand, it’s undeniable that the innovations emerging from Cupertino possess a certain magnetism. The iPhone remains the pinnacle of premium smartphones, MacBooks often outshine their Windows counterparts in cafes, and the iPad captivates as a larger, touch-friendly device — despite being merely an oversized iPhone. Apple excels at crafting aspirational products, a feat that is challenging to achieve consistently.
In my view, no Apple product released in the last seven years has embodied this “Apple Magic” quite like the AirPods.
They function seamlessly and make perfect sense. They have inspired countless imitations across the industry. With features like the charging case, instant connectivity, integration with iCloud, and compatibility across all Apple operating systems, AirPods serve as the cohesive element for the ecosystem. They are incredibly user-friendly.
Coupled with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, AirPods represent one of Apple’s most significant achievements, standing alongside the original Macintosh and the iPhone.
This sets the stage for high expectations for the upcoming AirPods 4th generation, doesn’t it?
Section 1.1: Features and Pricing of AirPods 4th Generation
According to Bloomberg, the AirPods 4th generation will likely come in two variations, replacing the 2nd and 3rd generations, which will be discontinued. We can anticipate their arrival in the latter half of 2024, although pricing remains speculative. Nevertheless, it's reasonable to assume they will be priced similarly to the existing models.
For context, the 2nd generation AirPods feature the original's long stem and tall charging case, while the 3rd generation resembles a simplified version of the AirPods Pro. Neither version includes replaceable tips or noise cancellation, although the 3rd generation does support Spatial Audio.
Rumors suggest that the two versions of the AirPods 4th generation will adopt a design akin to the outgoing 3rd generation, featuring shorter stems than the 2nd generation, with design elements inspired by AirPods Pro. This standardization in design seems logical.
The base model of the 4th generation AirPods may lack replaceable tips, but it’s uncertain if the premium variant will include them. However, it is rumored that the latter will provide noise cancellation and an upgraded charging case with a speaker for enhanced "Find My" functionality.
Confused? So am I. While the entry-level updates make sense, it seems the premium version might closely resemble AirPods Pro.
The good news is that both versions are expected to feature USB-C charging instead of Lightning, which is a welcome change. If you’re wondering about the fate of AirPods Pro, whispers indicate that an updated version is anticipated in 2025, boasting a faster chip, a new design, and additional hearing health features to distinguish it from the 4th generation AirPods.
Section 1.2: AirPods Max 2 — What to Expect
December 2020 marked the launch of AirPods Max, and since then, rumors regarding a second generation have been sparse. Initially, I believed the current model might be a one-off experiment that didn’t resonate with Tim Cook.
However, a recent visit to New York in June changed my perspective; the prevalence of AirPods Max on heads throughout the city was striking. This trend is evident in London as well, indicating a demand for AirPods Max, which likely means a new version is on the horizon.
But why has Apple delayed this for so long, especially given the lack of substantial rumors about the second generation?
According to Bloomberg and other sources, the next iteration of AirPods Max is expected to feature USB-C charging and new color options, with no mention of a redesign or high-resolution audio support.
This lack of high-res audio is particularly concerning. There has been speculation that Apple is developing a new audio codec capable of delivering lossless audio wirelessly. If they intend to launch that with flair, it would make sense to include it in their high-end, premium over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, wouldn’t it?
Perhaps Apple will surprise us and prove the rumor mill wrong, as they have done in the past.
Wrap Up
As a dedicated fan of AirPods, I find little to criticize across the lineup (though I’ve certainly voiced my opinions on AirPods Max). Unlike some of Apple's other product lines, AirPods are not the cheapest or the best sounding, nor do they support every audio codec available. However, they function exceptionally well and, arguably, represent Apple’s only truly “magical” modern product.
Are you looking forward to the AirPods 4th generation? Or did you expect more groundbreaking changes? Share your thoughts below!
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The first video discusses the potential leaks and expected launch of AirPods Pro 3, exploring what features might be included.
The second video examines whether you should buy AirPods Max now or wait for the next version, highlighting key considerations and rumors.