Apple May Not Update AirPods Until 2026, Lighter AirPods Max Coming in 2027 [Kuo]

Apple's AirPods lineup likely won't get any major updates until 2026, with a redesigned, lighter AirPods Max model possibly arriving in 2027, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a post on X today, Kuo says:

AirPods may not see significant updates until 2026 (aligning with my earlier prediction that IR camera-equipped AirPods would enter mass production in 2026). A lighter version of the AirPods Max is expected to enter mass production in 2027.


Kuo now believes that major AirPods updates are unlikely before 2026. This supports his earlier forecast that AirPods with an infrared camera would enter mass production that year. These updated models are also rumored to include a dedicated chip named 'Glennie', possibly enabling environmental awareness features.

Looking further ahead, Kuo says Apple is aiming to bring a lighter version of the AirPods Max into mass production in 2027, though it's unclear what other changes the update might include. Apple recently improved the current AirPods Max with USB-C, adding support for lossless audio and ultra-low latency through a firmware update.

Notably, AirPods Max with USB-C are on sale today for $479.99, down from $549.

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