- Apple could bring Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) to non-Pro AirPods in 2024, making it cheaper to get the feature within the company’s lineup.
- However, only the higher priced non-Pro AirPods 4th gen is expected to get ANC.
- The AirPods 4th gen is expected in two variants, both with updated designs, redesigned cases, and USB-C charging.
Apple’s AirPods are a case study of how to birth a new product that overshadows its product category. Wireless earbuds existed before AirPods, but the AirPods set fire to the TWS product category. Apple makes more money from AirPods than some big tech companies. Apple has largely kept the AirPods away from an annual refresh cycle, but some change may be on the cards for the base non-Pro AirPods in particular and Apple’s entire hearables lineup in 2024.
Right now, Apple’s AirPods lineup consists of three products: the base AirPods (2nd gen) at $129, the base AirPods (3rd gen) at $169, and the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) at $249. The 2nd gen AirPods retains the classic design, while the 3rd gen AirPods and the 2nd gen AirPods Pro look similar. The Pro features silicone tips for Active Noise Cancelation (ANC), a highlight feature that none of the other AirPods have.