Apple recently announced a new HomePod Mini, along with the iPhone 12 series. Now, a report by Bloomberg says the company is gearing up to launch more Audio products including low-end AirPods in 2021.
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg’s report says(via TechRadar), Apple is working on the next entry-level Airpods( Tentative: AirPods 3), AirPods Pro 2nd gen, and a one more HomePod. This new HomePod is likely to take a spot between the Original HomePod(2018), and Mini(2020). Now, this is a bit surprising considering the Mini launched only a couple of weeks back.
AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro 2nd gen – Designs
Regarding the AirPods 3, the report says the design will be similar to the current AirPods Pro. If reports are true, Apple will shorten the stem and introduce in-ear design with ear tips for the new AirPods. This is a welcoming change considering the old design doesn’t seal your ears perfectly. Also, Apple will reportedly improve battery life for the AirPods 3.
Currently, Apple promises playback, talk time of 5hrs & 3hrs with each earbud, and 24hrs & 18hrs with charging case respectively. This model, however, isn’t going to feature ANC(Active Noise Cancellation) like the Pro version says the report. This negates an earlier report from last year that said the AirPods 3 will have ANC.
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For the AirPods Pro 2nd gen, Apple is reportedly looking to get inspiration from Google, and Samsung. It is likely to eliminate the stem and sport a rounded design. Apparently, it is already testing a design that has a rounded shape to fill the user’s ear more. Looks like Apple wants to borrow some pages off Google’s Pixel Buds, and Samsung’s latest Galaxy Buds.
Besides, Apple has reportedly found it difficult to incorporate the ANC, antennas, microphones inside the new rounded design. Hence, don’t expect a revolutionary change in the design department whenever it launches commercially. The low-end AirPods(Tentative: AirPods 3) is rumored to launch in H1 of 2021. Luxshare Precision Industry Co. and Goertek Inc. are likely to handle the production.
Another HomePod, AirPods Studio details
As mentioned earlier, the new HomePod is likely to be placed somewhere between $99-$299 at which both the Original HomePod, and Mini sell. However, the report also warns that Apple may launch this, or just cut the price of the higher HomePod as well.
AirPods Studio headphones is a long-rumored product, and as of now it’s launch looks uncertain this year. The report says its production got delayed due to issues on the headband. Apparently, it was “too tight” in a few testing. Also, Apple has now re-designed the touchpads of the headphones and has reduced the “interchangeability of the buds” as well. Let’s wait for more info as we march ahead.
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