According to a recent report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to release two new models of AirPods 4 next month. These headphones are expected to replace the current AirPods 2 and AirPods 3, offering options for different market segments.
AirPods 2, which was released back in 2019, became a budget solution for wireless communication, often available for at a price below $90. They use a traditional design and are suitable for those who are just starting to get acquainted with wireless headphones, although they do not have modern features.
AirPods 3, introduced in October 2021 with a starting price of $179, are a significant upgrade, but Apple continued to sell AirPods 2 in parallel with them.
The new AirPods 4 are supposed to replace both models: the entry-level version will replace the AirPods 2, and the mid-range model will replace the AirPods 3. The main difference between these versions will be the presence of active noise cancellation in the mid-range variant, while the budget model will not have this feature.
Also, both versions of the AirPods 4 are expected to get a USB-C charging port. The entry-level version is likely to come without wireless charging support, while the mid-range model will have the option.