The Apple AirPods that you can buy today (here, for $159) are the same Apple AirPods that you could buy at the tail-end of 2016. Not that they needed much improving, as those first-gen AirPods are still arguably the best truly wireless earbuds you can buy, a year-and-a-half later. And while we’re still waiting for the Qi-wireless charging case that was announced this past fall — there’s still no release date for that or the AirPower wireless charging pad, by the way — rumors are starting to swirl that Apple is working on not one, but two new AirPods models.
As first reported by Bloomberg, Apple is planning on releasing a new AirPod model later this year. It’ll have an upgraded wireless chip that will allow users to access Siri digital by just saying “Hey Siri.” (Right now, to access Siri you have to tap one of the AirPods, which can dislodge the AirPod from your ear if you aren’t careful.) The other version of Apple’s AirPods is rumored to add water resistance, which seems like a good move considering how many people use their AirPods to workout. (Old news: AirPods aren’t sweatproof.) This more water-resistant model is expected to come in 2019.
As these are just initial reports, no exact details have been confirmed. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Apple phase out its first-gen AirPods and replace it with the newer model with the upgraded chip. The sweat-resistant models that are hopefully coming in 2019 will likely cost in the region of $200, which is the same price as Apple-owned Beats sells its Powerbeats 3 wireless earbuds (although you can get them for much less on Amazon and Best Buy).
Further Reading
Apple Plans Upgrades to Popular AirPods Headphones, Bloomberg
This Quick Hack Will Prevent Your AirPods From Dying on You, Gear Patrol
Apple Is Working on Two New AirPod Updates, Hypebeast
Review: Apple’s AirPods Are an Excellent Upgrade, for Some, Gear Patrol
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