Apple Prepares for Major Overhaul to AirPods Lineup

Tech giant, Apple Inc., readies a comprehensive redesign of its AirPods lineup, amplifying one of its most successful product categories. The radical changes are set to significantly boost the user experience and market competitiveness of these beloved wearable devices.

These changes will kick off with a revamped version of the entry-level AirPods in 2024, while a fresh Pro model is expected to wheel out the following year, according to insiders familiar with the company's plans.

Among the multitude of enhancements, consumers can look forward to redesigned earbuds, amplified audio quality, and a fresh take on the case aesthetics. A fresh update for the high-end AirPods Max headphones will follow in 2024, as shared by sources who preferred to stay anonymous due to information privacy.

Since their debut in 2016, the AirPods wireless earbuds have become a key component of Apple's Wearables, Home and Accessories segment, generating a staggering $40 billion annually. This division also comprises the Apple Watch and Beats headphones.

The current AirPods landscape features three distinct types of wireless earbuds, including the premium AirPods Max headphones. The reportedly underperforming third-generation AirPods are slated for phase out next year, to be replaced by more differentiated fourth-generation models.

The upcoming AirPods versions will sport a design fusion of the third-generation AirPods and the Pro model, including short stems and improved fit. Noteworthy features like noise cancellation and speaker-equipped charging cases, currently exclusive to the Pro version, will now be extended to the higher-end fourth-generation model.

Anticipated updates also propose a switch to USB-C charging for all AirPods, consistent with EU regulations and the trend initiated by the AirPods Pro. The end of 2024 will usher in an update to the AirPods Max headphones, and the AirPods Pro is due for a redesign and chip upgrade in 2025.

While Apple has enjoyed an impressive 32% market share in the wireless earbuds segment, the company must continue to innovate in the face of increasing competition from rivals including Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Sony, Bose, and Jabra.