"Smaller AirPods to Launch Next Year... AirPods Pro to Feature Rounded Design Like Samsung"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] Apple plans to release smaller new wireless earphones, 'AirPods' and 'AirPods Pro,' as early as the first half of next year, Bloomberg reported on the 26th (local time), citing sources.

According to the report, Apple is pushing forward the development of the 3rd generation AirPods and the premium 2nd generation AirPods Pro next year to maximize the success of these key growth-driving products.

The new AirPods are expected to have a design similar to the current AirPods Pro, with shorter stems. Replaceable ear tips will also be provided. Apple plans to improve battery life as well. However, the source said that advanced AirPods Pro features such as noise cancellation that blocks external noise will not be included.

The new AirPods Pro are expected to be more compact. Bloomberg reported that the design currently being tested is a rounded shape that fills the user's ear, similar to the latest wireless earphone designs from Samsung Electronics, Amazon, and Google.

Apple has also internally discussed plans to release an affordable new AirPods model in the first half of next year. Additionally, wireless chips for the new AirPods and AirPods Pro are also planned. Bloomberg noted, "When AirPods were first released, they were ignored and ridiculed by people, but now they have become one of Apple's biggest hit products in recent years," and predicted, "Apple's decision not to include wired earphones with the new iPhone release could lead to increased sales of AirPods and similar products." Apple's Wearables, Home, and Accessories division recorded sales of $6.45 billion (approximately 7.3 trillion KRW) last quarter, which is more than a 70% increase compared to two years ago.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.