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Following the introduction of AirPods Max in December, Apple is said to have ongoing updates for the rest of its AirPods lineup in 2021. This year, we expect Apple to introduce a new version of its AirPods and AirPods Pro. incredibly popular, bringing major changes to both. Here’s everything we know so far.
Update of February 22, 2021:
First, Apple is expected to present a new version of its entry-level AirPods with a whole new design. Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the new AirPods will feature a new “AirPods Pro-like” form factor and design, although the analyst has not provided any details.
The second generation AirPods were initially released in March 2019, bringing “Hey Siri” support and Qi wireless charging. The overall design and form factor of the AirPods has remained the same since their initial release in December 2016, so they’re overdue for some sort of visual overhaul.
Bloomberg reported in October that Apple was planning to release new entry-level AirPods with shorter shanks and replaceable ear tips, corroborating Kuo’s information that the design would be similar to the AirPods Pro. This means the AirPods 3 would feature an in-ear design, rather than resting on your ear like current AirPods do.
If AirPods and AirPods Pro have a similar design, what makes them different and helps Apple justify the higher price of AirPods Pro? According to Bloomberg, AirPods would lack high-end AirPods Pro features like noise cancellation and transparency mode.
Recently leaked images of 52audio also claim to offer our first real-world glimpse at the redesigned AirPods 3. Here we can see the smaller stem, the in-ear design, and the redesigned battery case.
Regarding a version, Kuo and Bloomberg Expect Apple to release AirPods 3 sometime in 2021. Pricing information is unclear, but at least one report has suggested AirPods 3 will cost around 20% less than AirPods Pro, which indicates a price of $ 199.
Apple currently sells AirPods with a wired charging case for $ 159 and AirPods with a wireless charging case for $ 199.
Meanwhile, Apple is also planning a new version of AirPods Pro in 2021, still with a brand new design. This time around, Apple reportedly planned to make the AirPods Pro look a bit like some of the market competitors from Amazon and Samsung.
Bloomberg reported that the second generation AirPods Pro will feature a “more compact” design that does away with the rod that current protrudes from the bottom of the AirPods Pro. “A design in test has a more rounded shape that fills a user’s ear more,” the report says, comparing the design to offerings from Samsung and Amazon.
For those who aren’t familiar, the Amazon Echo Buds feature a stemless design that is completely round and sits inside the user’s ear.
However, these changes are not guaranteed. Apple should have faced challenges in removing the AirPods Pro rod while continuing to include features like transparency mode, the H1 chip, and noise cancellations. As such, Apple might be content with a less ambitious redesign of the AirPods Pro.
Another change to be expected with AirPods Pro in 2021 is a redesigned charging case. The redesigned AirPods Pro charging case would still be said to remain 21mm thick, while it will measure 46mm high and 54mm wide. For comparison, the current AirPods Pro charging case is 45.2mm high and 60.6mm wide.
One possibility here is that Apple will adjust the design of the AirPods Pro charging case to include support for MagSafe. Currently, AirPods Pro can be charged on the MagSafe Washer, but the charging case does not magnetically attach to it. Apple is also expected to rethink the charging case if it plans to change the form factor of the headphones themselves.
The AirPods Pro 2 are expected to be priced at the same price of $ 249 as the current AirPods Pro, and reports suggest a release could be available as early as April.
Taking 9to5Mac
Apple’s decision to rethink the AirPods form factor is likely to be controversial. Many people actively prefer the design of AirPods to the in-ear fit of AirPods Pro. In fact, a survey of 9to5Mac readers last month reported that 42% of readers prefer the AirPods design, compared to 53% who prefer the AirPods Pro.
Still, it makes sense for Apple to unify the design of AirPods and make entry-level AirPods more customizable. Currently, Apple refers to AirPods as having a “universal fit”, which basically means they are “one size fits all”.
Apple’s decision to include different sizes of ear tips in the box with the AirPods will likely appeal to more users who otherwise wouldn’t like the “universal” design.
On the flip side, the redesigned AirPods Pro certainly look intriguing, but then again, the headphone and earpiece design changes are still controversial. Removing the stem and opting for a rounded design is a major design change for AirPods Pro.
What’s interesting is that we haven’t heard any details about the new features of the AirPods or AirPods Pro yet. So far, all reports have been based on supply chain sources, who often only have insight into the physical design of products, and not potential new software features.
What do you think of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 rumors? Are you eagerly awaiting rumored design changes or do you prefer the current design?
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