Apple is Preparing to Launch Two New AirPods Models

Apple is preparing to launch two new AirPods models with production to start in May, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

The launch may be the biggest one to date, with suppliers being told to make more units than ever before.

The company is planning to produce 20 million to 25 million units of the earbuds, an increase over prior new models. Production will formally kick off in May at GoerTek Inc. and Luxshare Precision Industry Co., setting the stage for a release around September or October. As I've written several times, the new AirPods are a renewed push into the lower end of the market.


There are two models in the pipeline with one codenamed B768(E) and the other codenamed B768(M). The E represents 'entry' and the M stands for 'mid-tier'. They will replace the current second and third generation AirPods. Both are said to feature a new design, improved fit, and charging cases with USB-C. The mid-tier model will have active noise cancellation and Find My speakers in the case.

Notably, Gurman also predicts that Apple will unveil some software updates to AirPods as part of iOS 18. One feature will bring a hearing aid mode to AirPods Pro. Another will introduce a hearing test that users can perform to check their hearing.

Apple is not expected to update AirPods Pro this year; however, a new model is in the works for next year that could include low-resolution cameras that can scan the environment around a user. If you're looking for AirPods now, the USB-C update to AirPods Pro 2 is on sale today for $189.99, down from $249.

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