Apple could launch two new versions of AirPods this year, including one with a totally new design, top analyst claims
- Apple may have two different versions of its wireless headphones in the works
- One version will look the same, while another will have a completely new design
- Comes as Apple released a pair of second-generation $200 AirPods last month
Apple could have some major updates in store for its wireless headphones.
Top Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the iPhone maker will release two new versions of AirPods in late 2019 or early 2020.
One version will appear similar to the current iteration, while another model will feature a complete redesign and a higher price tag.
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Apple could have some updates in store for its wireless headphones. Top Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the firm will launch two new versions of AirPods in late 2019 or early 2020
‘We expect Apple will likely launch two new AirPods models in 4Q19 at the earliest,’ Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities, explained.
‘One is the all-new form factor design at a higher price. The other’s outlook and price will be the same as the current model’s.
‘…[We] estimate AirPods shipments will reach 52 million and 75-85 million units in 2019 and 2020, respectively,’ he added.
It’s not yet clear what the new design will look like, however previous reports have suggested they’d be relatively small upgrades.
The original AirPods cost $159, while the second-generation AirPods are priced at $199 with a wireless charging included.
It’s not yet clear what the new design will look like, however previous reports have suggested they’d be relatively small upgrades, like a new non-slip grip coating and improved bass
A recent report from MySmartPrice predicted Apple would add a non-slip grip coating.
The coating would address consumers’ oft-repeated criticism that the headphones easily slide out of their hand because they’re made out of a smooth, plastic material.
The new AirPods are also expected to feature improved bass, advanced sensors for health monitoring and will come in both black and white.
A Digitimes report suggested Apple could introduce noise-cancelling technology in the upcoming AirPods.
Apple recently released its second-generation AirPods, which feature a new chip that provides extended battery life and hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ access.
AirPods’ new H1 chip allows for faster connect times, the ‘convenience of hands-free “Hey Siri,”‘ and 50 percent more talk time compared to the first-generation wireless headphones, the firm said.
The new AirPods come with either the standard case or Apple’s new wireless charging case.
Users who already own AirPods can also purchase the wireless charging case on its own for $80.
ARE APPLE’S AIRPODS WORTH THE MONEY?
We’ve always been largely unimpressed with the quality of Apple’s EarPods headphones, and were hoping to see a dramatic improvement in their standard following Apple’s acquisition of Beats in 2014.
As a result, we are relieved the new lightning EarPods are so much better than their predecessors.
With the AirPods, Apple has created a bold new kind of wireless headphone, removing the annoyances of struggling to pair and remembering to turn them off to avoid battery drain.
They’re surprisingly good at staying put within your ear, and the battery life is commendable.
£159 ($159) may seem expensive for earphones but the demand for the product has seen huge demand which lead to worldwide shortages
Again, the price is steep enough to put some people off, but we would argue $159 (£159) is not entirely unreasonable for high quality wireless headphones – AirPods are roughly in line with their rivals.
The likelihood of losing them is real, but this fault lies in the hands of the consumer, rather than the manufacturer.
We would, however, welcome a set of small buttons on one or both of the AirPods’ stems to skip or replay tracks and change the volume while exercising, as Siri voice commands are just not suitable during exercise.
Overall, the audio standard and brilliant pairing and charging technologies make AirPods an attractive prospect for Apple fans looking to invest in new wireless headphones for use across the entire product range.
They’re not perfect, but for a first generation product, they’re pretty good.
