AirPods Gen 4, AirPods Max Gen 2 expected to launch later this year

Apple is set to launch the new iPhone 16 series later this year, along with what could be its biggest iOS update yet with iOS 18. However, smartphones are not the only market Apple targets. The tech giant is also expected to release numerous other products in 2024, including new iPad Pro variants, and yes, some new AirPods.

As per a Bloomberg report, this includes multiple models of the AirPods Gen 4 TWS earbuds, as well as a refresh of the AirPods Max headphones. Both of these products are reportedly expected in “late 2024”, which suggest we may seem them in the latter half of the year.

Apple AirPods Gen 4: What to expect?

The report suggests that the AirPods Gen 4 will be available in two variants, both of which will feature a new design with a better fit, in addition to other expected changes like improved sound quality, and a new USB Type-C charging case.

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A higher-end model of the AirPods Gen 4 is even more interesting, as it will be the first audio product by Apple to feature ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) without sporting the ‘Pro’ moniker.

The report also adds that this model will feature a speaker in the charging case, which will help with Find My tracking. It remains unclear if other AirPods Pro features like spatial audio will be a part of these earbuds.

Apple also plans to discontinue the Apple AirPods Gen 2 and AirPods Gen 3 after these earbuds launch, which makes sense as Apple would want to deal solely with USB-C products now that even its iPhones have moved to the new standard.

Apple AirPods Max Gen 2 and new AirPods Pro

One of the major changes with the AirPods Max Gen 2 will also be the unsurprising switch to a USB Type-C port. The report suggests that this port will be used for both charging and wired audio playback. However, apart from a few new colour options, we may not see much new with the AirPods Max Gen 2.

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Unfortunately for those looking to upgrade their AirPods Pro earbuds, it doesn’t seem like Apple will be launching new Pro earbuds until 2025, which means fans have a GTA 6-sized waiting time ahead of them. However, this also makes sense, given Apple recently updated the AirPods Pro Gen 2 to support USB Type-C, even offering to upgrade Lightning port cases for a fee.

When in the year Apple will launch the new earbuds and headphones remains to be seen. In typical Apple fashion, we’re unlikely to find out more concrete details within weeks of the official launch.