Sources: Apple plans to release AirPods Max and two redesigned fourth-generation AirPods with USB-C in 2024, and AirPods Pro with new chip and design in 2025
or $550 of wired alternatives? GSMArena.com : Report: two new AirPods 4 are coming in 2024, new AirPods Pro in 2025 Kishalaya Kundu / TechSpot : Next-gen Apple AirPods expected to land in 2024 with improved design and enhanced audio Abid Iqbal Shaik / SamMobile : Apple planning to launch four new AirPods TechRadar : Apple AirPods lineup tipped to get a huge overhaul - here's what's coming Chris Welch / The Verge : Apple's future AirPods roadmap just leaked, and big changes are coming Chance Miller / 9to5Mac : Apple planning major AirPods refresh including new AirPods 4, AirPods Max, and more Jon Mundy / Trusted Reviews : Apple reportedly planning total refresh of AirPods line Priya Pathak / FE Tech Bytes : Apple AirPods future roadmap leaked: AirPods 4 with ANC, USB Type-C, cheaper model also in works Collins Eshiet / Android Headlines : ANC is coming to more affordable AirPods next year: Report Alan Martin / Tom's Guide : New AirPods leaked — including AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2 Marla Broadway / PC Guide : Apple AirPods leak - but what's the point? Adamya Sharma / Android Authority : Apple reportedly planning major AirPods overhaul starting next year Ananya Gairola / Benzinga : Apple Could Retire Second, Third Generation AirPods Soon, New Versions Will Switch To USB-C: Report Abdullah / Gizchina : Apple's Next Move: Noise Cancellation Comes to AirPods in 2024 Jade Bryan / nextpit : Apple's AirPod Max 2 and Redesigned AirPods 4 May Launch in 2024 Alan Friedman / PhoneArena : Report says Apple will refresh its AirPods line next year iClarified : Apple to Overhaul Entire AirPods Lineup With New Models [Report] Ali Salman / Wccftech : New AirPods And AirPods Max To Launch Next Year With Design Changes, Upgraded AirPods Pro To Feature Health Features In 2025 Nadeem Sarwar / SlashGear : The Entry-Level AirPods May Get A Key Pro Feature In 2024 Ed Hardy / Cult of Mac : AirPods 4 could deliver active noise cancellation Hannes Brecher / Notebookcheck : Leak reveals details about Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods Max with new design and USB-C X: Mark Gurman / @markgurman : NEW: Apple plans AirPods overhaul, including two 4th-generation models (including one with noise-cancellation) and Max headphones with USB-C for late 2024. Redesigned AirPods Pro coming in 2025. Read all the details here: https://www.bloomberg.com/... Vadim Yuryev / @vadimyuryev : Woah! Looks like AirPods Max with USB-C not coming until next year! So Apple isn't trying to fully migrate to USB-C by the end of the year. Max Weinbach / @maxwinebach : Given the AirPods Pro 2 USB C getting lossless audio, it wouldnt shock me if new AirPods Max would get it as well, along with M3 Mac's supporting it I could see them pushing it as a set of studio headphones for wireless mixing. Something to bring more value than just big AirPods Forums: r/apple : Apple Plans AirPods Overhaul With New Low- and High-End Models, USB-C Headphones r/wallstreetbets : Apple Plans AirPods Overhaul — New Low- and High-End Models, USB-C Headphones MacRumors Forums : New AirPods and AirPods Max Launching in 2024, Updated AirPods Pro Coming in 2025
Context & Ripple Effects
This report extends a multi-year pattern of AirPods refresh planning: earlier coverage had already pointed to redesigned standard AirPods and a second-generation Pro model with new sensors, chips and form factors. It matters because the roadmap spans Apple’s entry, premium in-ear and over-ear tiers rather than a single product update.
Later coverage showed the standard-tier portion materialize as two AirPods 4 variants with H2 and USB-C, while a subsequent AirPods Max software update added lossless audio and low-latency support rather than documenting a hardware redesign.
First-order effects
- The reported roadmap would give Apple a coordinated transition path for AirPods connectors and industrial designs, with separate refreshes for mainstream, Pro and Max buyers.
- Two fourth-generation models would create an explicit product split within the standard AirPods range, while a later Pro redesign would preserve a distinct premium upgrade cycle.
Second-order effects
- A two-model standard range lets Apple differentiate on features such as ANC without forcing every buyer into the Pro line, increasing the risk of overlap between the $129 and $179 AirPods 4 tiers as well as creating a clearer upsell path.
- Accessory makers and retailers would need to manage USB-C-compatible inventories across several AirPods tiers as products transition, rather than treating the change as an isolated refresh.
Third-order effects
- If Apple continues to stagger feature, design and connector changes by tier, AirPods may become a more deliberately segmented accessories portfolio: lower-priced models absorb core platform updates while Pro and Max retain separate premium reasons to upgrade.
- The later AirPods Max lossless-audio software update suggests Apple can also extend premium headphone value through software, potentially reducing the need for every capability improvement to wait for new hardware.
The trend: Apple is moving AirPods toward tier-by-tier segmentation, combining shared platform transitions with differentiated hardware and software upgrade paths.