Apple to Unveil New High-End AirPods, HomePod, and Over-Ear Headphones Next Year [Report]

Apple is planning to unveil new high-end AirPods, a new HomePod, and new studio quality over-ear headphones next year, reports Bloomberg.

The Cupertino, California-based company is working on new AirPods with noise-cancellation and water resistance, the people said. Apple is trying to increase the range that AirPods can work away from an iPhone or iPad, one of the people said. You won’t be swimming in them though: The water resistance is mainly to protect against rain and perspiration, the people said.

Apple's existing AirPods are also set for a refresh later this year which will bring a new chip, hands-free Siri activation, and an optional wireless charging case. Future AirPods could add biometric sensors like a heart rate monitor.


Foxconn is said to be working with Apple to ramp up AirPods production. Thus far, the company has used Inventec and Luxshare Precision for manufacturing but it has struggled to meet demand.

The new over-ear headphones will purportedly use Apple branding to distinguish themselves as a higher-end alternative to the Beats line. They were originally scheduled to arrive by the end of 2018 but development challenges pushed back release. Apple has talked to Tymphany, a Primax Electronics subsidiary, about working with them to make the headphones; however, production has not started and the deal is not finalized.

Finally, Apple is said to be working on a new version of the HomePod for release as early as next year. The current HomePod was built with Inventec but production has since expanded to Foxconn. It's possible that Apple could switch away from Inventec for the new model. Inventec executives met with Apple in California recently to discuss future orders; however, a decision on whether they will get new HomePod orders has not yet been made.

Read More