Mark Gurman: AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2 with USB-C Coming Late 2024

Apple is reportedly advancing with its plans to unveil the next generation of AirPods by late 2024, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reaffirmed the expected release timeline for both the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2, shedding light on what consumers might anticipate from these highly anticipated audio devices.

New AirPods 4: Dual Variants on the Horizon

The forthcoming AirPods 4 are set to debut in two distinct variants. The premium variant will encompass all the latest enhancements, positioning itself as the flagship offering. Conversely, a more economically priced version is expected to forgo several advanced features, targeting consumers seeking the most recent AirPods without a hefty price tag.

Among the anticipated changes, the AirPods 4 might sport a redesigned appearance with a shorter stem and an improved fit over its predecessor, the AirPods 3. Enhancements in sound quality, including active noise cancellation (ANC), are on the cards. A notable feature is the inclusion of a speaker capable of emitting sound for location tracking through the Find My app. Additionally, a shift to a USB-C charging port for the bundled case is rumored, although it remains unclear which of these upgrades will extend to the lower-priced variant.

AirPods Max 2: A Subtle Upgrade

Turning to the AirPods Max 2, Apple's upcoming over-the-ear headphones mark the company's first update to the product line since its inception in 2020. The successor is poised to offer a modest improvement over the existing model, with the most significant update being the addition of a USB-C port for charging and wired connections. The possibility of new colorways has also been hinted, though specifics remain under wraps.

While a late 2024 launch window has been suggested, it's worth noting that this timeframe could extend as late as December, mirroring Apple's previous release patterns. This speculation is grounded in the historical precedent set by the original AirPods Max's December 2020 release and the recent standalone USB-C charging case for the AirPods Pro 2 in December 2023.

As official confirmation from Apple is still pending, these details are subject to change. We advise readers to stay tuned for further updates, which we will provide as new information becomes available.

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