Gurman: Launch of high-end AirPods in 2019, new HomePod and Over-Ear earphones also likely to be launched next year

Apple's audio device strategy has been highlighted today in a new report from Bloomberg, who looks forward to 2019 and the launch of the 'high-end' third-generation AirPods, next to HomePod, and Apple's over-the-ear headphones.

For the AirPods, the model next year is supposed to be water resistant "to protect against rain and sweat", which Bloomberg previously reported in February. In the new report, Mark Gurman and Debby Wu add that Apple is also working on the introduction of noise cancellation and increasing the reach of AirPods on the iPhone. or the iPad, citing people familiar with Apple's plans.

Apple Inc. is on the verge of inflating the volume of its audio equipment strategy, by providing high-end AirPods, a new HomePod, and studio-grade earphones as early as next year, according to people familiar with the subject.

In addition, the third-generation AirPods – coming after the second-generation update scheduled for this fall with "Hey Siri" support – are expected to cost "more than the existing $ 159 pair". It is thought that this pushes Apple to "segment" the AirPods line as it does with iPhones, with a less expensive model and a more expensive model with more features. One of these advanced features could also be a biometric sensor "like a heart rate monitor".

Continuing its offensive on audio devices, Apple is planning a 2019 start of year for its over-the-ear headphones, having faced "development challenges" in its launch schedule from the end of the year. year 2018. Bloomberg described the device as a "high-end alternative to the company's Beats line," but did not give new details about the features likely to come in the headphones.

Finally, the report quickly mentions that the second version of the HomePod is expected to debut "as early as next year". Apple can also switch from the production on the smart speaker to that of Inventec for the new model, as part of a global reshuffle of the Apple supply chain in this regard. which concerns its audio devices. Sources said the company is seeking to expand its partnership with Foxconn, which primarily helps in the manufacture of the iPhone, while decreasing its reliance on Inventec, which helped to provide AirPods and HomePod.

Although we expect updates from AirPods and HomePod, rumors appeared for the first time in February on the brand's "clean brand" over-the-ear headphones. Apple's analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The audio accessory should be "as practical as the AirPods," but with superior sound quality, active noise cancellation technology and a price tag for the high-end market.