What to expect from Apple’s new AirPods 2
If rumors are to be believed, Apple is days away from unveiling an updated version of AirPods – the small wireless Bluetooth headphones first introduced in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2.
Judging by multiple reports supposedly from sources close to Apple’s supply chain, March will see the introduction of two new versions of AirPods – matte white and matte black – featuring reworked internals for improved bass, hands-free “Hey Siri” support and possibly a new specialist outer coating for a better in-ear grip.
Some reports have delved a little deeper, suggesting the next-gen AirPods will include new ‘health monitoring’ features and a redesign, however these reports should be taken with a pitch of salt.
Alongside the upgrades to the AirPods themselves, Apple is expected to release the wireless charging case for AirPods that it has kept unavailable since it was announced back in 2017 alongside AirPower. The wireless charging case for AirPods is expected to work across all Qi charging stations and docks, with Apple expected to release AirPower alongside the updated AirPods 2 in March.
AirPods 2 seem more like AirPods 1.5. Delving further into the future, world renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed 2020 will see the introduction of a fully redesigned version of AirPods with an ‘all-new design’. Kuo didn’t go into detail in regards to the supposed redesign, but keeping his report in mind it wouldn’t be that much of a surprise if Apple’s forthcoming AirPods are merely a stopgap ahead of a much bigger AirPods release in the future.
Apple’s new AirPods will undoubtedly use improved battery technology to help keep them in your ears for longer, and some have suggested Apple will adopt the new Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy standard.
We don’t have much information regarding pricing for the new AirPods, although MySmartPrice, a site with a mixed track record when it comes to rumors, has claimed Apple could increase the cost of the second-generation AirPods to around $200, up from $159. That said, other reports are saying the price will remain at $159.
Sound like music to your ears? Let us know what you are hoping for from the next-generation AirPods 2.