Apple has yet to officially announce the AirPods 4, but the rumor mill is already buzzing with speculation about a major update to the popular wireless earbuds.

Despite the recent update to the AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C port during Apple’s September 2023 event, and the introduction of Adaptive Audio with iOS 17, Mark Gurman a well-known tech journalist at Bloomberg believes that Apple is planning a significant refresh across its entire AirPods lineup within the next two years.

Although details are scarce, the prospect of a next-generation AirPods 4 has piqued the interest of Apple enthusiasts. Here’s a roundup of everything we know about the potential new AirPods and what they might bring to the table.

When can we expect the AirPods 4 to hit the market? The last major update came in 2021 with the AirPods 3, and according to Gurman, Apple may unveil the AirPods 4 in September 2024. This aligns with Bloomberg’s report, which suggests a potential release event on September 10, 2024, where Apple might also retire the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.

While there isn’t much concrete information on the release date, 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Apple, with the anticipated launch of the Vision Pro mixed reality headset and a new lossless audio protocol for the AirPods Pro 2. The combination of these innovative products, alongside the AirPods 4, could be crucial for Apple as it navigates its foray into mixed reality.

Currently, the entry-level AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 are priced at $169 and $129, respectively, making them the most affordable options in Apple’s AirPods lineup. These models are often available at discounted rates through various online retailers.

As for the AirPods 4, while pricing remains speculative, it’s likely that Apple will position them competitively within the existing lineup, potentially offering both a standard and a higher-end version to cater to a broader audience.

Apple’s AirPods have maintained a consistent design language over the years, with little variation across models. While the premium AirPods Max offers multiple color options, the AirPods earbuds have traditionally been available only in Apple’s signature white finish.

However, a design shift could be on the horizon. A transparent or translucent option—similar to the design seen in the Beats Studio+—could appeal to younger consumers and those looking for more personalized aesthetics. If Apple decides to introduce more color choices, it would mark a significant departure from its current design approach and could boost the appeal of the AirPods 4.

According to Gurman’s report, the upcoming Apple AirPods 4 may feature a design that blends elements from the third-generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro. While the inclusion of replaceable tips seems unlikely, there’s speculation that the AirPods 4 might offer active noise cancellation (ANC)—a feature that would set them apart from the current entry-level models.

Leaks suggest that Apple might release two versions of the AirPods 4, with the higher-end model featuring ANC, while a more affordable variant could omit this feature.

^{Features We Hope to See in Apple AirPods 4}

It’s reasonable to expect that the Apple AirPods 4 will incorporate Apple’s H2 chip, which debuted in the AirPods Pro 2. This chip could enhance battery life and processing power, making the new earbuds more efficient and capable.

The new Apple AirPods 4 might also blur the lines between tiers, incorporating features typically reserved for the Pro models, such as a charging case with speakers for Find My alerts and a USB-C charging port.

Moreover, advanced personalization features based on listening habits and real-time adjustments would be a welcome addition, providing a more tailored audio experience for users.

As demand for AirPods appears to have slowed in 2023, the introduction of a new model could rejuvenate interest in Apple’s wireless earbuds. If the Apple AirPods 4 does launch in 2024, it will likely be designed to differentiate itself from previous models while also competing in the increasingly crowded budget wireless earbuds market.