With the release of the iPhone 7 in September 2016, Apple bid a dramatic farewell to the venerable 3.5 mm headphone jack. Apple responded to its detractors by releasing the first generation of AirPods a month later. Apple’s very own brand of wireless earphones would be, according to them, tailor-made for the growing family of iOS devices.
In March 2019, Apple followed up on the smash success of the AirPods 1 with the AirPods 2 (AKA the 2nd generation AirPods or, confusingly, just AirPods). It would be strange for Apple to release another generation so soon, but according to the rumor mill, that’s exactly what’s happening. Rumor has it that the third generation of AirPods will be released at the end of October, likely named the “AirPods Pro.” The name coincides with the naming scheme used by the iPad Pro and the recently-released iPhone 11 Pro, likely indicating that these new AirPods are meant to be similarly high-end.
RELEASE DATE
The rumored launch date for the AirPods Pro is at the end of October, likely to capitalize on the highly-valuable Christmas shopping season.
PRICE AND KEY NEW FEATURES
The AirPods Pro will likely set you back $250. For reference, that’s $100 more than the AirPods 2. To justify the higher price tag, Apple is rumored to be adding a few major features this time around, the most important being noise cancellation. 9to5Mac, while exploring the iOS 13.2 beta found what seemed to a drawing of the new AirPods design in the Accessibility settings, as well as for instructions on how to adjust noise cancellation. It appears that users will be able to freely change listening modes, either with or without noise cancellation, and that like the AirPods 2 will be able to use their AirPods Pro as hearing aids.
NEW DESIGN & CHARGING CASE
In terms of appearance, the AirPods Pro will likely be a marked departure from the AirPods 2. For one, based on the iOS 13.2 glyphs it seems to have ear tips, like a more traditional pair of earphones. If it will have noise cancellation as rumored, it’s hard to see how it could achieve that without a tighter fit. Supposed leaked images of the AirPods Pro shared by SlashLeaks seem to confirm this change. As for the charging case, it has long been rumored to be made of metal. It may have an IP rating of IP67, meaning it would be waterproof enough to survive splashes or even powerful jets of water (though not full immersion). While past AirPods weren’t exactly the first choice of audio gear for outdoor sports enthusiasts, this could change that.
OTHER NEW FEATURES
The AirPods Pro is also rumored to be using an upgraded chip, which would not only enhance the sound quality but also increases connection stability and range.
NEW COLORS
Previous AirPods were only available in white, but it seems that this is yet another tradition the AirPods Pro will be breaking from. The photos from SlashLeaks seem to confirm that the AirPods Pro will also come in black.
If that’s still a little too monochrome for your blood, you could always buy a cover for your AirPods Pro case. In addition to changing their appearance, a cover has the added benefit of protecting your (particularly expensive this time) new AirPods.
What do you think of the new AirPods Pro? Do you plan on buying them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!.
