According to recent reports, Apple is preparing to release two new versions of the AirPods 4 early next month. The new model is intended to replace the entry-level AirPods 2 and mid-range AirPods 3 in the company’s current lineup.
Mark Garman revealed in the latest Bloomberg Power On newsletter that Apple plans to introduce these new AirPods along with other hardware updates in the fall.
These two variants are a base model and a mid-range version, both of which have a modern design.
The biggest difference between the two models is that the mid-range version has active noise cancellation. This feature was previously reserved for the more expensive AirPods Pro. This addition could make noise cancellation technology more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Both new AirPods 4 models may switch to USB-C charging as Apple discontinues the Lightning port in its lineup. The mid-range model is said to support wireless charging, while the base variant may not offer this feature.
The current AirPods range includes the second generation AirPods launched in 2019, but these AirPods still use the original design and do not have the latest features. The third generation of AirPods, released in October 2021, features improvements such as surround sound and a force sensor at the base.
Apple’s strategy of offering two different models at different prices is aimed at catering to a wider range of consumers. The entry-level AirPods 4 will likely target:
For budget-conscious buyers, a mid-range version with noise cancellation might be attractive, for buyers looking for more advanced features without the AirPods Pro.
The exact branding of these new models remains unclear, with speculation ranging from AirPods 4 to an early version of AirPods Lite.
This update to the AirPods series is part of Apple’s broader fall hardware update, which includes new iPhones, iPads and Macs. The company usually holds a big event in September to unveil its latest products.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
