Apple radically transformed wireless audio back in 2016 debuting the original AirPods. And if rumors pan out, 2024 may introduce the next monumental shift via both AirPods Pro 2 and standard model upgrades.
Let’s analyze speculated release windows, pricing, and hardware enhancements seeking to maintain Apple’s audio domination.
AirPods Pro 2: Cutting the Iconic Cord?
Regarding Apple’s premium noise-canceling buds, respected analyst Mark Gurman tips a completely cordless stemless design for AirPods Pro 2 harkening back to early AirPods concepts originally lacking protruding antennas.
This streamlined style aims improving ergonomic comfort while potentially enabling onboard health tracking sensors.
Rumored Health Tracking and Audio Enhancements
Specifically, Gurman echoes fellow analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicting next-gen AirPods Pro adopt pulse oximetry and temperature detection supplementing core audio duties.
Ambient computing proponents envision such possibility earmarking AirPods as ubiquitous health data hubs.
Regarding audio, improved Bluetooth codec support and custom sound profiles also reportedly feature aiming parity with premium over-ear headphones.
Standard AirPods Gaining Premium Features?
Meanwhile, Gurman and Kuo assert affordable standard AirPods see upgrades trimming stem size for better fit while potentially adding premium noise cancellation functionality previously exclusive to the Pro line.
This risks muddying differentiation between two product tiers. However, Apple likely preserves key Pro advantages around sound isolation quality and headphones spatial audio modes unavailable on base models.
Basic AirPods may also adopt USB-C charging alignment with EU mandates. And better battery life seems assured as always.
2024 Target Release Timeframe?
Neither Gurman nor Kuo specify expected 2024 release months for next-gen AirPods models.
However, aligning with past release cycles, a prudent guess eyes Apple unveiling AirPods Pro 2 alongside the standard fifth-gen iteration in September alongside the presumptive iPhone 16.
This bundles major audio portfolio refreshes coinciding with peak holiday 2024 shopping surge demands.
How Will Pricing Shake Out?
As for 2024 AirPods pricing, crucial questions involve:
- Whether upgraded standard AirPods retain sub-$150 cost targeting
- If Pro 2 sticks to the $250 ceiling amidst inflation/supply chain pressures
Higher component and manufacturing expenses may force slight increases, but multi-model choice allows segmentation preventing extreme dollar threshold jumps.
Outlook Beyond 2024 Remains Uncertain
While Gurman’s report illuminates 2024, longer-term AirPods intentions stay opaque.
If processing power someday suffices on smaller packages, is a single AirPod model consolidating both functionality and pricing in consumers’ future?
Apple’s won’t tip its audio roadmap cards yet. But the 2024 AirPods Pro 2 and standard model overhaul appear poised delivering audio enhancements keeping ears happy both music and health metric tracking fronts.
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