Highlights
- Active Noise Cancellation coming to non-Pro AirPods.
- AirPods Pro slated for 2025 update with health monitoring features.
- AirPods Max to receive practical updates like USB-C charging.
- Fourth-generation AirPods to offer a redesigned case and USB type-C.
Recent reports about Apple have come to light and if they are to be believed, the company is poised to bring significant updates for the AirPods and Apple Watch, while the iPhone range is set to receive more subtle changes.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has a rich history of breaking Apple news ahead of any official announcement, so his report is credible.
AirPods Getting ANC
As per Gurman, Apple is planning a complete redesign of the lower-end AirPods.
This includes not just an updated look but also a newly designed case and the shift to USB type-C charging.
However, the most notable addition to the AirPods family will be the introduction of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the higher-end non-Pro version.
This marks the first time that Apple is bringing this premium feature to a more affordable model.
Gurman expects that this will make the fourth-generation AirPods an attractive option for those seeking high-quality audio experiences without the Pro price tag.
Updates in the Pro and Max Models
As for the AirPods Pro, a major update is anticipated in 2025, potentially introducing health-related features like body temperature monitoring.
Meanwhile, the over-ear AirPods Max is expected to see less dramatic changes in 2024.
The focus will be on practical updates, like transitioning to a USB-C charger and possibly introducing new colour options.
The focus on the Max is a bit low since Apple is not making too much money selling them.
Apple Watch and Vision Pro Updates
The Apple Watch, on the other hand, is a reasonably cash-cow product for the company. The 2024 Apple Watch line-up is set to get a facelift, with at least one model expected to sport a new design.
More significantly, Apple is reportedly enhancing its health monitoring capabilities.
Features like hypertension and sleep apnea detection are in the works, aiming to make the Apple Watch a comprehensive health companion.
Finally, Apple’s much-anticipated mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, has seen its launch date shifted to March.
The company is preparing for this big release by training retail employees, signaling that the launch could be imminent.
However, officially Apple has not confirmed any date for when this device might reach consumers.
As it is, the $3,499 price tag is likely to deter even the more loyal Apple enthusiasts.
FAQs
What significant changes are coming to the AirPods lineup?
Apple is planning a substantial update to its AirPods range. The lower-end models will undergo a complete redesign, including a new case and a shift to USB type-C charging.
The highlight, however, is the introduction of Active Noise Cancellation in the higher-end non-Pro AirPods, making advanced audio features more accessible.
How will the introduction of ANC in non-Pro AirPods impact consumers?
The inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation in the non-Pro AirPods marks a significant step in making premium audio features available at a more affordable price.
This is expected to make the fourth-generation AirPods particularly appealing to users seeking high-end audio experiences without the added cost of Pro models.
What is Apple’s strategy for iPhone production in India?
Apple is set to shift a substantial portion of its iPhone production to India, with plans to assemble nearly one-fourth of all iPhones globally in the country within the next two to three years.
This strategy includes scaling up to over 50 million devices annually in India, followed by further increases.
How will the new plant in Karnataka contribute to Apple’s production goals?
Apple’s production expansion in India is significantly supported by Foxconn, a major Apple supplier, which is preparing to open a new plant in Karnataka in April.
This facility is expected to produce around 20 million smartphones each year, primarily focusing on iPhones.
What role is Tata playing in enhancing iPhone assembly in India?
Indian conglomerate Tata is reportedly making considerable efforts to augment iPhone assembly in India, as per Bloomberg’s reports. This move is part of a larger strategy to enhance Apple’s manufacturing capabilities in the country and diversify its production base.
Also read: Apple To Reportedly Expand iPhone Manufacturing Operations in India to 50 Million Units A Year
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