It’s been a year since Apple launched the AirPods Pro. So the time is ripe for a second generation. According to industry insiders, Apple is already working flat out on the successor.

According to a “Bloomberg” report, Apple is working on new versions of the AirPods and AirPods Pro. The first successor model could already be presented in the first half of 2021.

New wireless chip inside

Both models should get a new design, according to the Bloomberg report. The chipset inside should also be upgraded. So far, the current AirPods and AirPods Pro use the H1 processor that Apple launched in 2019. The H1 supports Bluetooth 5.0, so a newer version could come with the current Bluetooth standard 5.2 and thus be even more energy-efficient.

Do the 2nd generation AirPods Pro get a compact design?

The second generation of the AirPods Pro could come without the stem, according to Bloomberg, a distinguishing feature of Apple earbuds so far. Since their introduction in 2016, the wireless earbuds have been equipped with this idiosyncratic design to stand out from the crowd. However, since then, many manufacturers have copied the stem design. In the AirPods Pro, the stems even have their own function. If you press them together between two fingers, the active noise canceling (ANC) switches on or off.

Although Apple could do without this function in the second generation, the AirPods Pro should still come with ANC. Without the stems, however, the design would be more in the direction of the rounded Samsung Galaxy Buds. According to Bloomberg, however, Apple has problems installing the hardware in the smaller case. Changes in the design are therefore still possible.

3rd generation AirPods with interchangeable attachments?

In the first half of 2021, however, Apple could first introduce the third generation AirPods. The “normal” AirPods do not get active noise-canceling, but they should adopt the pro design with shorter handles and exchangeable silicone attachments. The new model could also get an even longer battery life. With around five hours of music playback, the current model already offers more than most competing products.

Apple continues to work on studio headphones

The AirPods Studio are also still in development, according to the Bloomberg report. These are closed studio headphones in a circumaural format with exchangeable ear pads. Allegedly, the headphones should go into production now. The appointment has apparently been postponed due to problems with the headband.

In addition to the recently introduced HomePod mini for 96.50 euros, Apple could also introduce another HomePod that sits between the large HomePod and the HomePod mini.