Apple Ready To Launch AirPods 4 With Revolutionary Features!

AirPods 4 high-end will also have built-in speakers (photo: x @tarekakhatibb)

JAKARTA - The year 2023 does not bring major changes to the AirPods ranks, but Apple is preparing a big breakthrough for this year. The big change that will happen in 2024 is a total overhaul for AirPods of entry-level class. Here's everything we know so far.

Apple currently sells five different versions of AirPods:

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has reported extensively on Apple's plans to release AirPods (4th Generation) by 2024. According to Gurman, Apple will stop producing AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 this year, replacing them with two variants of AirPods 4.

The AirPods 4 model will reportedly have a design that looks like a mix of AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, including a short stick. These two AirPods 4 variants will not have a replaceable end like the AirPods Pro, but will offer better comfort.

Bloomberg says that Apple plans to differentiate two AirPods 4 models in several different ways. The high-end AirPods 4 model will offer a noise damping feature, while the lower model will not have the feature.

The two versions of AirPods 4 will be equipped with a new charging case that uses USB-C for charging. The charging case included with the upper class AirPods will also have built-in speakers for better Find My integration. According to Bloomberg, the new AirPods 4 model is scheduled for release by the end of 2024, which usually coincides with the launch of a new iPhone in September.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also reported that Apple is working on a cheaper version of the AirPods which will be released in 2024. Kuo said that AirPods Lite could be valued at around $99 (around Rp1,603,800). Analyst Jeff Pu also said that AirPods Lite is in the process of being developed.

It is not yet clear whether Kuo and Pu refer to the lower class AirPods 4 versions as Bloomberg mentioned, or completely different products.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple plans to conduct massive production for AirPods 4. Apple's suppliers will produce between 20 and 25 million new AirPods 4 units. This will be the largest AirPods launch ever conducted by Apple.

AirPods 4 production is expected to begin in May with a release target in the fall, possibly alongside the launch of the iPhone 16.

The year 2024 will also bring updates to AirPods Max. Unfortunately, the only change is the switch from Lightning to USB-C for charging. Apple is not planning another update for AirPods Max this year. AirPods Max will continue to use the H1 chip that has been in use since 2020.

For AirPods Pro fans, rumors say that Apple is not planning an update until 2025. This revision will include new designs and new chips, as well as other new features that may be health-related, such as hearing health.

Here are the upcoming AirPods plans: