AirPods 4 rumors: Dramatic change coming next week

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AirPods 4 could launch in just a few days to replace two models of wireless earbuds now in Apple’s lineup. Rumors indicate the new version will borrow a feature from the Pro models: Active Noise Cancellation.

And AirPods Max 2 could be in for a revamp next Monday, too. Probably not so for AirPods Pro 3, though.

Here’s what to look forward to in new AirPods variants when they’re unveiled at the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9.

Apple remade the headphone market

Before AirPods, most people used the free pair of wired headphones that came with their device. But AirPods changed all that starting in 2016. The result: sales of wireless headphones grew to $13 billion last year, with Apple dominating the market.

With rivals willing to blatantly “borrow” Apple designs, Cupertino must keep improving its products to stay on top. Expect AirPods 3 and the older AirPods 2 to disappear from the lineup in just a few days with the release of the fourth-generation version with fresh features.

AirPods 4 rumors include Active Noise Cancellation

As AirPods 4 will replace two models, it’s going to come in two variants, according to information that leaked out this spring.

A mid-range model, reportedly code-named B768(M), will offer Active Noise Cancellation and come with a charging case that supports the Find My app. A cheaper version, code-named B768(E), will not have either feature.

AirPods 4 rumors indicate both models will get a new sleeker design, just not one that adds removable silicone ear tips — which will surely limit the effectiveness of ANC. And their charging case will use USB-C in place of the now-obsolete Lightning port.

Leaks also say the ANC-enabled version should cost about the same as AirPods 3 ($179). Expect the stripped-down one to cost about the same as AirPods 2 ($129).

It’s not yet clear what names Apple will use to differentiate the new entry-level model from the mid-range one. Cupertino can’t call them both simply AirPods 4.

New AirPods Max 2 coming at Apple September 9 event, too

Redesigned AirPods 4 aren’t the only audio upgrade allegedly coming soon. You should expect AirPods Max 2 at the September 9 event as well. But the changes to Apple’s premium over-the-ears headphones supposedly won’t be major. Instead, Apple plans a cosmetic upgrade with new color options.

And Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman wrote in the spring, “I expect the AirPods Max to get a USB-C port later this year.” That will replace the now-obsolete Lightning charging port.

Whither AirPods Pro 3?

Whether AirPods Pro 3 will appear at Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9 apparently depends on who you ask. A leaker who called themself Kosutami said the high-end wireless earbuds are coming “soon.” But Bloomberg‘s Gurman insists we’ll need to be patient until 2025.

Whenever the new version arrives, it’ll need significant changes. Previously, ANC was the standout feature for the pricier AirPods Pro models. With it supposedly in AirPods 4, the premium version needs additional features to justify the higher cost — probably about $249.

But exactly what to expect in AirPods Pro 3 is unknown. All Kosutami was able to offer is that the next version will boast better Active Noise Cancellation than the current one.

Return for the September 9 Apple event for more

Of course, Cult of Mac will cover everything revealed at Apple’s event next week. The big news should be iPhone 16, but AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2 apparently won’t be overlooked.

The 2024 MacBook Pro and Mac mini with an Apple M4 processor are expected later … possibly at an October event. And iPad mini 7 and iPad 11 could be there, too.