Apple Plans To Modify AirPods for 2021, 2nd-Gen AirPods Pro in 2022

Apple is will to a revamp of its entry-level AirPods for this year and a second generation of the AirPods Pro for next year, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Apple had previously aimed to release the new AirPods Pro as early as this year, Bloomberg News reported in 2020. The update to its wireless earbuds range will bolster the company’s wearables, home and accessories segment, which has grown rapidly to now account for more than $30 billion (Approx Rs. 2,17,560 crores) in annual revenue, exceeding 10 percent of total sales.

The new base AirPods will mark the first update to the product since March 2019 and will add a new design that mostly mirrors that of the AirPods Pro. The earbuds will come with a new case and shorter stems poking out of the bottom of each one. The AirPods Pro coming next year will be the first change to that product since October 2019 and will include updated motion sensors with a focus on fitness tracking, the people said, asking not to be named because the plans are private.

As part of its broader home, audio, and accessories strategy, Apple has also begun early improvement of a HomePod speaker with a built-in screen as well as a device that combines the features of a HomePod, FaceTime camera, and Apple TV, Bloomberg News has reported. Competition for speakers with screens is already widespread. Apple released a HomePod mini speaker last year and outlined a minor update to the Apple TV set-top box last month.