Apple Preparing for ‘Biggest AirPods Launch Yet’; Fourth-Generation Models Expected Later This Year: Report
Fourth-Generation AirPods Expected to Introduce Active Noise Cancellation
Apple is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its AirPods lineup, with reports indicating that the fourth-generation models will usher in substantial upgrades. These new iterations are poised to replace the current entry-level Apple earphones, marking what is anticipated to be the most extensive AirPods launch to date. Among the anticipated improvements are a redesigned aesthetic and enhancements to the charging case, setting the stage for a more refined user experience. Moreover, insiders suggest that one of the forthcoming fourth-generation AirPods variants will introduce active noise cancellation (ANC), a feature previously exclusive to AirPods Pro models.
According to insights shared in Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, Apple is preparing to unveil two distinct fourth-generation entry-level AirPods models. These new iterations, bearing the codenames B768(E) and B768(M), are expected to bring forth not only a fresh design but also enhancements to comfort and fit. Furthermore, they will be accompanied by USB Type-C charging cases, indicative of Apple’s commitment to modernizing its ecosystem. Notably, the mid-tier AirPods are slated to incorporate ANC capabilities, offering users an immersive audio experience while effectively reducing ambient noise.
Gurman’s newsletter sheds light on the scale of Apple’s ambitions for its upcoming AirPods release, with suppliers bracing themselves for what promises to be a landmark moment in the product’s evolution. Overseas vendors are poised to commence production on a new line of truly wireless stereo (TWS) earphones, with an estimated output ranging between 20 million to 25 million units—an unprecedented figure compared to previous models. Manufacturing is slated to kick off in May, with industry giants such as GoerTek and Luxshare spearheading the production efforts, setting the stage for a highly anticipated launch anticipated around September or October.
Apple is said to be working on revamping its AirPods lineup, with fourth-generation AirPods models set to replace existing entry-level Apple earphones. The new models will reportedly represent the biggest AirPods launch to date and will come with several upgrades, featuring a new design and improvements to the charging case. One of the two fourth-generation AirPods models will also reportedly get active noise cancellation (ANC), previously only available on AirPods Pro models.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reiterated that Apple was readying two new fourth-generation entry-level AirPods to replace the existing second and third-generation models. The new models, codenamed B768(E) and B768(M) (the E is said to stand for “entry” and the M represents “mid-tier”), will get a new design, improvements to their fit, and USB Type-C charging cases. Additionally, Gurman said that the mid-tier AirPods will feature ANC and Find My speakers feature in the case to help users locate their missing earphones.
Gurman also said that Apple suppliers were gearing up for “biggest AirPods launch to date,” with overseas vendors about to start production on the new line of truly wireless stereo (TWS) earphones. “The company is planning to produce 20 million to 25 million units of the earbuds, an increase over prior new models,” he said in the newsletter. Production will reportedly begin in May at GoerTek and Luxshare, with an official release planned around September or October.
The Cupertino, California-based company is also set to bring updates to its wireless earphones line with the release of iOS 18. AirPods Pro could get a hearing aid mode to help users with impaired hearing, alongside a hearing-test feature. Apple currently sells a pair of second-generation AirPods for Rs. 12,900 and a third-generation model for Rs. 19,900. Apple refreshed the AirPods Pro model, which comes in at Rs. 24,900, at its ‘Wonderlust’ event in September last year, adding a USB Type-C port to the charging case.
