Apple will reportedly release redesigned AirPods next year

Embed from Getty Images

It's been over a year and a half since the second-generation AirPods were released and almost a year since the AirPods Pro's launch, so it's not surprising that there are rumours Apple plans to revamp both wireless earbuds. Both will supposedly get new designs and better chips. The Pro might lose the signature stems, making it look similar to the Galaxy Buds Plus and Pixel Buds. It will still have noise-cancellation, though. The challenge is trying to fit the components in a smaller form factor. 

Meanwhile, the entry-level AirPods will inherit some of the Pro's design with a shorter stem and replaceable ear-tips. It will reportedly get a better battery life, too. According to Bloomberg, we can expect the new AirPods as early as the first half of 2021.

Apple AirPods get automatic switching, 'Spatial Audio'

Apple adds some new features for its AirPods earbuds, which it announced at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference. One useful addition is automatic switching. As the name suggests, it automatically switches audio inputs based on the Apple device you're using through your iCloud account. So, from your iPhone to your iPad to your Mac, it'll be a seamless transition. And if you get a call on your iPhone, then it'll automatically switch back to your phone. The feature is coming to the AirPods Pro, second-generation AirPods, Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Solo Pro via a firmware update.

On top of that, the AirPods Pro is getting a new "Spatial Audio" feature. It provides 3D, surround sound-like audio for these earbuds to offer what Apple calls a "movie theatre experience." The AirPods Pro will continuously recalibrate according to the position of your head as well as how you position your device.

Click to read more ...

Report: Wearables get boost in Q3 due to 'hearables'

A recent report from the market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) shows the impact of Apple on the wearable segment. Or we should say, the effect of the Apple AirPods on the industry. The wearable segment has seen a significant rise in the third quarter of 2019 because of the "hearables" market, which is another name for wireless earbuds, headphones, etc. 

A total of 40.7 million units of hearables were shipped over 2018's 11.8 million. This figure means that for the segment alone, there was a year-on-year growth of 242.4%.

Click to read more ...

Report claims Apple might bundle the AirPods with its 2020 iPhones

If the report from DigiTimes is to be believed, then next year's iPhones will come bundled with AirPods. The hit-or-miss Taiwanese publication cites unnamed industry sources, claiming that "smartphone vendors including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi are looking to bundle their new models with TWS earbuds next year." TWS stands for "truly wireless stereo" earphones, which includes accessories like the AirPods and Samsung's Galaxy Buds.

We can't say how accurate the report is, especially with how expensive AirPods are and how popular these accessories are on their own. It would be uncharacteristic for Apple to bundle a high-demand accessory. Perhaps a more reasonable rumour would be a more advanced version of EarPods will be bundled with the iPhone. Or only the higher-end iPhone 12 Pro models will get this bundle. The iPhone is at least 10 months away from its launch, so we'll be keeping our eyes out to see if this particular rumour will become true. 

Source: MacRumors