After the AirPods Max was introduced in December, Apple reportedly has updates on the way for the rest of its AirPods lineup in 2021. This year, we expect Apple to introduce a new version of the incredibly popular AirPods and AirPods Pro, with big changes both. That’s all we know so far.
First of all, Apple is expected to present a new entry-level AirPods with a brand-new design. Trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the new AirPods will feature a new form factor and design “similar to AirPods Pro”, although the analyst did not provide any details.
It was the second generation of AirPods It was initially released in March 2019, With “Hey Siri” support and Qi wireless charging. The overall design and form factor of the AirPods have remained the same since their original release in December 2016, so they were delayed in some kind of visual redesign.
Bloomberg I mentioned in October Apple is planning to launch new AirPods with a shorter stem and replaceable ear tips, confirming the Kuo report that the design will be similar to the AirPods Pro. This means AirPods 3 will feature an in-ear design, rather than resting on your ear like current AirPods do.
If AirPods and AirPods Pro feature a similar design, then what sets them apart and helps Apple justify the high price of AirPods Pro? to me Bloomberg, AirPods lack advanced AirPods Pro features like noise cancellation and Transparency mode.
As far as the version is, both Kuo and Bloomberg We expect Apple AirPods 3 to release sometime in 2021. Pricing information is unclear, but at least one report suggested that AirPods 3 will cost about 20% less Of AirPods Pro, which indicates a price of $ 199.
Apple is currently selling AirPods with a wired charging case for $ 159 and AirPods with a wireless charging case for $ 199.
Meanwhile, Apple is also said to be planning a new version of AirPods Pro in 2021, again with an entirely new design. This time, Apple is said to be planning to make the AirPods Pro a lot like some of the competitors in the market from Amazon and Samsung.
Bloomberg It has been reported The second-generation AirPods Pro will feature a “more compact” design that eliminates the stem, dropping current from the bottom of the AirPods Pro. “The design in the test has a more rounded shape that fills the user’s ear,” the report said, comparing the design to presentations from Samsung and Amazon.
For those unfamiliar, Amazon Echo buds feature The design without stem is completely round and located inside the user’s ear.
These changes, however, are not guaranteed. Apple reportedly faced challenges removing the stem of the AirPods Pro while still including features like Transparency mode, H1 chip, and noise cancellation. As such, Apple may settle for a less ambitious redesign of the AirPods Pro.
Another expected change with AirPods Pro in 2021 is the redesigned Charging Case. The redesigned AirPods Pro charging case will reportedly remain at 21mm thick, while it will be 46mm high and 54mm wide. For comparison, the current AirPods Pro charging case It measures 45.2mm long and 60.6mm wide.
One possibility here is that Apple is modifying the AirPods Pro charging case design to include MagSafe support. Currently, AirPods Pro can be charged on a MagSafe disc, but the charging case does not attach magnetically to them. Apple will also have to redesign the charging case if it plans to change the form factor of the earbuds themselves.
The AirPods Pro 2 are expected to be priced the same $ 249 as the current AirPods Pro and Reports suggested The release could come as soon as April.
Take 9to5Mac
Apple’s decision to redesign the AirPods’ form factor is likely controversial. There are many people who prefer the AirPods design over the in-ear fit of the AirPods Pro. Actually, a poll 9to5Mac Readers indicated last month 42% of our readers prefer AirPods design compared to 53% AirPods Pro.
However, it makes sense for Apple to standardize the design of AirPods and make entry-level AirPods more customizable. Currently, Apple refers to the AirPods as “one size fits all,” which basically means they are “one size fits all.”
Apple’s decision to include different sizes of ear tips in the case with AirPods will likely make them attractive to a larger group of users who do not like the “universal” design.
On the other hand, the redesigned AirPods Pro definitely look interesting, but again, design changes to the headphones and earphones are always bound to be controversial. Removing the stem and moving to a rounded design are a major design change to the AirPods Pro.
What’s interesting is that we haven’t yet heard any details about the new features of the AirPods or AirPods Pro. All reports to date have been based on supply chain sources, which often only have insight into the physical design of products, not potential new software features.
What do you think about the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 rumors? Are you looking forward to the commonsense design changes or do you prefer the current design?
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