New AirPods Pro will reportedly boost fitness tracking features, AirPods 3 coming later this year; new HomePods in development, no AirPods Max 2 in the works

The rumor mill has been pumping out expectations for new AirPods and AirPods Pro for quite some time. But the new truly wireless headphones have yet to actually launch.

And while we’re still waiting, we’ve got new reports to sift through. This time around it’s from Bloomberg, with Mark Gurman aiming to tell us what to expect this year. In his latest report, we learn that Apple is still planning on launching new AirPods and AirPods Pro models. So, that’s the good news.

Actually, there really isn’t any bad news. Unless you count the fact these headphones are still in the works, and they aren’t launching today. If you can live with that, then this report sheds some light on design, features, and launch expectations for both truly wireless headphones.

AirPods Pro

AirPods 3

We’ll start with the new headphones that are expected to arrive before the end of 2021. According to the report, Apple is planning to launch these new, redesigned headphones later this year. The new headphones will feature a shorter stem than what’s present in the current AirPods model. The report also says Apple is developing a new charging case.

AirPods 3 will apparently look a lot like the current AirPods Pro, with the short stem. However, no Pro features.

AirPods Pro 2

Next, the new AirPods Pro. These will reportedly launch sometime in 2022. The report says that Apple originally planned to launch the new pro in-ear truly wireless headphones this year, but that didn’t pan out. Unfortunately, why Apple chose to push back the launch remains unknown.

Interestingly, the new AirPods Pro will apparently have a stronger focus on fitness tracking. The new headphones will feature better motion tracking, and it’s possible they have a slightly tweaked hardware design. However, that might not actually pan out.

The report says Apple investigated an AirPods Pro design that dropped the stem entirely. Just like the upcoming Beats Studio Buds. However, that might not be the final design we see next year.

No new AirPods Max

Considering how much time Apple is taking on launching AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro 2, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we’re not getting AirPods Max 2 anytime soon. Specifically, the report indicates that Apple is not working on a second-generation AirPods Max right now. However, Apple has apparently considered launching new colors for the current model.

The HomePod is dead, long live the HomePod

While Apple discontinued the HomePod not too long ago, the company’s branding probably won’t die soon. The HomePod mini seems to be doing okay for the company. And this report says Apple is still working on new HomePod models:

As part of its broader home, audio and accessories strategy, Apple has also begun early development of a HomePod speaker with a built-in screen as well as a device that combines the features of a HomePod, FaceTime camera and Apple TV…

So, there we have it. Nothing groundbreaking, but at least these new truly wireless headphones are still coming down the pipe. Are you planning to upgrade to the new AirPods or AirPods Pro?