Gurman: Higher-End AirPods to Launch in 2019, New HomePod and Over-Ear Headphones Also Likely Next Year

[MacRumors]

Apple's audio device strategy has been highlighted today in a new report by Bloomberg, which looked forward to 2019 and the launch of the "higher-end" third-generation AirPods, next HomePod, and previously rumored over-ear headphones from Apple.

For the AirPods, next year's model is believed to be water resistant "to protect against rain and perspiration," which Bloomberg previously reported in February. In the new report, Mark Gurman and Debby Wu add that Apple is also working to introduce noise cancellation and increase the range that the AirPods can work away from iPhone or iPad, citing people familiar with Apple's plans.

Apple Inc. is about to pump up the volume on its audio-device strategy, planning higher-end AirPods, a new HomePod and studio-quality over-ear headphones for as early as next year, according to people familiar with the matter.

Additionally, the third-generation AirPods -- coming after this fall's expected second-generation update with "Hey Siri" support -- are expected to cost "more than the existing $159 pair." This is believed to cause Apple to "segment" the AirPods line like it does with iPhones, with a lower-cost model and a higher-cost model that has more features. One of these advanced features could also be a biometric sensor "like a heart-rate monitor."

Continuing its audio device push, Apple is eyeing an early 2019 debut for its over-ear headphones, after facing "development challenges" during its original late 2018 launch schedule. Bloomberg described the device as a "higher-end alternative to the company's Beats line," but otherwise didn't give any new details on features that could be coming to the headphones.

Lastly, the report quickly mentions that the second version of the HomePod is set to debut "as early as next year." Apple may also switch production on the smart speaker away from Inventec for the new model, in an overall shakeup of Apple's supply chain in regards to its audio devices. Sources said the company is looking to expand its partnership with Foxconn, which mainly helps manufacture the iPhone, and simultaneously lessen its reliance on Inventec, which helped supply AirPods and HomePod.

While updates to AirPods and HomePod have been expected, rumors first appeared for Apple's "own-branded" over-ear headphones back in February from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The audio accessory is expected to be "as convenient as AirPods" but with superior sound quality, active noise cancellation technology, and a price tag aimed at the high-end market.

Article Link: Gurman: Higher-End AirPods to Launch in 2019, New HomePod and Over-Ear Headphones Also Likely Next Year

 

[lars666]

I doubt they will reach this goal concerning sound quality, but give me a REAL good sounding headphone (talking about Beyerdynamic DT 800 level or higher), wirless with NC and W1 compatibility, and I am sold for (almost) every price.

 

[recoil80]

I think it makes sense to have two versions of AirPods. The first model will have a price drop and I bet they'll start bundling them with iPhone as soon as they remove the lighting port.
I'd love an in-ear version of them, or at least a way to provide some sound isolation.

 

[44267547]

For What it’s worth, I found the AirPods to meet my expectations in almost every level. The sound is adequate, convenience, the battery life, ect. The AirPods is that one purchase that do not hesitate to purchase again for version two.

What I would like to see changed with AirPods in the future, is a hands-free ‘hey Siri’ capability without having to double tap, or maybe even some type of touch capacitive volume controller where you can slide your finger up and down the AirPod.

 

[drewsof07]

I think it makes sense to have two versions of AirPods. The first model will have a price drop and I bet they'll start bundling them with iPhone as soon as they remove the lighting port.
I'd love an in-ear version of them, or at least a way to provide some sound isolation.

I don't see deprecation of lightning being a prerequisite. Apple sold the 4S alongside the 5, despite the 30 pin connector.

 

[dan9700]

All we hear is a lot of talk and no action hardware for apple has been so slow recently, even when they announce something it can take years to see it

 

[robbietop]

I'm glad I waited on the HomePod. It seriously needs to get unplugged and have a battery. The iPad is the same cost and it may not have the speaker thorough-put but it has a screen, wifi, etc.

The HomePod would be a great portable.

 

[calstanford]

Everything with Apple is always next year next year. Airpods, Airpower, new Macbooks, new iPad, god forbid a Mac Pro or Mac Mini, etc etc
Only consistent thing they care about is the yearly iPhone release (with major new features always coming 'next year')

 

[Tanax]

Heart rate monitor in Airpods? Sounds.. nice, I guess?

 

[DNichter]

All we hear is a lot of talk and no action hardware for apple has been so slow recently, even when they announce something it can take years to see it

For what it's worth, most "talk" comes from reports, not Apple. Apple has been slower than usual as of late, HomePod and some iOS features come to mind, but I think the mindset that they are always late is skewed due to the multitude of reports that we see on this site.

 

[Whoakapi]

Where are the color options and on-device-volume control for the AirPods?

I'll check back in 2021.

 

[Appleaker]

Higher end AirPods will probably be black or have a black option.

 

[Piggie]

Interesting to know what Apple with do with a cheaper HomePod.

They don't have a good AI so the only thing they can push the device on, is sound quality.
But they can't keep the same sound quality and make one a lot cheaper.

1st, if it sounds good it will hurt the sales of the current model.

So it will need to sound a lot worse, so you have a poor AI, combined with worse sound, for a price, probably still higher than the competition.

 

[recoil80]

I don't see deprecation of lightning being a prerequisite. Apple sold the 4S alongside the 5, despite the 30 pin connector.

AirPods are still a good business for Apple, so I think they'll continue to sell them separately as long as they can.
Once they remove the lighting port from iPhone they'll be forced to make a decision: either bundle AirPods or don't sell any earphone at all with the phone.
The first version of AirPods will eventually become cheap to them to manufacture and they'll have new versions by then to entice people to upgrade to a better pair of earphones.

Higher end AirPods will probably be black or have a black option.

I'd love that.

 

[smoking monkey]

The airpods as a first gen product are absolutely outstanding.
Airpods with noise cancellation abilities plus all the other proposed upgrades will make them absolute killers.
I'm guessing that's around 15months away though...

 

[dan9700]

For what it's worth, most "talk" comes from reports, not Apple. Apple has been slower than usual as of late, HomePod and some iOS features come to mind, but I think the mindset that they are always late is skewed due to the multitude of reports that we see on this site.

Yeah u have a good point there, i think hype and rumours always make it worse cos we expect so much

 

[macsrcool1234]

I think it makes sense to have two versions of AirPods. The first model will have a price drop and I bet they'll start bundling them with iPhone as soon as they remove the lighting port.
I'd love an in-ear version of them, or at least a way to provide some sound isolation.

No actually, it doesn't make sense.

Apple already has far too many SKU's, the last thing we need to do is fragment the accessories too.

 

[JRobinsonJr]

The airpods as a first gen product are absolutely outstanding.
Airpods with noise cancellation abilities plus all the other proposed upgrades will make them absolute killers.
I'm guessing that's around 15months away though...

Agreed! There are, of course, a few features that IMO are missing.

1. Sturdier connection to the ear. I had to buy a set of $7 rubber fittings to make them stay in. Unfortunately those have to come off for charging. Surely the Apple designers have a basic knowledge of the human ear shape and understand that there is no one-size-fits-all option.

2. "Wireless" charging! This was announced the same time as the AirPower as a replacement case... but we've heard nary a peep about it since.

 

[The Game 161]

Air pods are great and to be honest not something that badly needs updating

If there’s a HomePod mini that woukd be pretty good

 

[drewsof07]

Higher end AirPods will probably be black or have a black option.

I would love a matte option, better grip in my somewhat odd-shaped ear.

 

[DNichter]

Yeah u have a good point there, i think hype and rumours always make it worse cos we expect so much

Yea like AirPower for instance. It was promised in 2018, which it likely will still hit, but we have had rumors of multiple release time frames, which ups the expectations. I do think that Apple should stop announcing products/features until they are ready to ship. Big platform changes such as Marzipan, should definitely be introduced/previewed early though.

 

[SteveJUAE]

LOL this is so you need a new Apple product every year or so

This is not incremental updates it's just give some 1st Gen attempt then we reel in the same crowd for a 2nd gen, rinse and repeat

 

[The Game 161]

LOL this is so you need a new Apple product every year or so

Nobody is forcing anybody to buy anything

 

[dirtylilhobo]

I sure miss that mini-jack.. All ya had to do was to grab a “cheap” pair of earphones and plug em in..! No charging necessary..

 

[Rogifan]

All of those new AirPods features should come to a second generation of AirPods without having to create another product line. It’s a natural progression of the product. Of course when the obsession is finding ways to get customers to spend more money then the solution is to create pro versions and charge more money for them. It’s one thing to do it with Macs and iOS devices, it’s stupid to do it with accessories.