iOS 16.4 Seemingly References New AirPods and AirPods Case

[MacRumors]

The iOS 16.4 release candidate version that was provided to developers today appears to hint at a new set of AirPods that could be coming in the near future. According to @Aaronp613, the beta features references to AirPods that have a model number of A3048 and an AirPods case with a model number of A2968.

There have been no rumors that new AirPods are on the horizon, and it is early for Apple to update the earbuds as they were just refreshed in 2021.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1638248393070768147

It is not clear if there are indeed new AirPods on the way or if this is some kind of iterative update that will see Apple transitioning to USB-C charging instead of Lightning for the charging case as expected.

Article Link: iOS 16.4 Seemingly References New AirPods and AirPods Case

 

[ProfessionalFan]

Maybe fixing the airpods after all these years

What is wrong with them?

 

[xxray]

AirPods Pro with USB-C? 🤞

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Wow! That's interesting! Hopefully, it's coming with a USB-C AirPods Pro case.

 

[appleguy123]

Why is it too early for an update? It’s been well over a year. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a new version with Bluetooth 5.3, Apple Watch charger support and slightly longer battery.

 

[cmChimera]

Are these base model AirPods or can we tell? Could they be AirPods Max?

 

[oofio2461]

Apple event could be possible in April with M3 MBA, Airpods refresh, something else??

 

[ProfessionalFan]

Are these base model AirPods or can we tell? Could they be AirPods Max?

AirPods Max wouldn't have a case listed unless it'd be coming with a case that takes firmware in the next iteration.

 

[vegetassj4]

AirPods Ultra or nothing:

 

[mystery hill]

Wow! That's interesting! Hopefully, it's coming with a USB-C AirPods Pro case.

That’ll probably be released the same time as the iPhone 15.

 

[dumastudetto]

This is genuinely fascinating.

I wonder what it all means?

 

[sw1tcher]

AirPods Pro with USB-C? 🤞

Wow! That's interesting! Hopefully, it's coming with a USB-C AirPods Pro case.

I'd think AirPods or AirPods Max would be more likely as the AirPods have been out since Oct. 2021 and the AirPods Max since Dec. 2020 without an update. Apple has updated the regular AirPods and AirPods Pro on a 2-3 year basis.

Since there's mention of a case too, I'm going with 4th gen AirPods

 

[mystery hill]

AirPods 4th gen with H2 chip, and a new case that is compatible with the Apple Watch charger?

 

[cmChimera]

AirPods Max wouldn't have a case listed unless it'd be coming with a case that takes firmware in the next iteration.

Which is a possibility?

 

[BigMcGuire]

Cool. I spend all day on my AirPods 3! USB C would be welcomed and longer battery life.

Pretty happy with the 3s the way they are now.

 

[pittpanthersfan]

Everyone, I just bought my first AirPods last week, so this is a sure thing.

 

[sjsharksfan12]

This is genuinely fascinating.

I wonder what it all means?

I ask that question on a lot of these news articles. I'm still hung up on the whole Webkit APK and Home Infrastructure stuff. I feel like I know a good amount about the phone, but it will never be enough.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

"Apple transitioning to USB-C charging"

Sad. Government ruins everything.

 

[cmChimera]

"Apple transitioning to USB-C charging"

Sad. Government ruins everything.

Why is USB-C worse?

 

[CPx]

Everyone, I just bought my first AirPods last week, so this is a sure thing.

Thank you for your service!

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I feel like I just got my 3rd gen AirPods and I got them at launch. When did they get released? Can't be a year, can it

 

[gadgetgirl85]

Hmmm I so want a pair of the max’s. The minute I buy them, a new product will come out

 

[UltimaKilo]

Probably USB-C case. Can’t see a major update for AirPods anytime before 2025, but would like to be wrong!

 

[CWallace]

My guess would be that:

• A3048 is the AirPods (2nd generation) with USB-C (replacing the current one with Lightning);
• A2968 is a USB-C Wireless Charging Case for AirPods (replacing the current one with Lightning)

 

[chouseworth]

Hmmm I so want a pair of the max’s. The minute I buy them, a new product will come out

Well, you are in luck, because if you buy them directly from Apple, you will have one minute plus fourteen calendar days given the current return policy.