We are rapidly approaching 2019 - this year promises to be a fruitful year for new audio devices, in particular, headphones. Since 2016, the apple giant has become one of the leaders in the wireless headsets market.
AirPods have not become something fundamentally new, but due to the a priori cult status of any Apple product, articles and discussions on the topic of wireless headphones rarely go without mentioning them. They are praised and hated, they are relied upon in comparisons, in other words, AirPods have been written and talked about since their introduction.
In the coming year, we will probably see two new models of Apple headphones at once, which will be strikingly different from each other and from their predecessors. Under the cut, I tried to summarize all the available information about new products.
Release that didn't happen
Back in February of this year, on the pages www.macrumors.com and appleinsider.com, Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple was preparing to release not only a new version of AirPods, but also headphones with a “fundamentally new design." He suggested that the company plans to release full-size headphones and, thanks to their acoustic design and emitter area, will be able to provide higher sound quality.The conclusion was made on the basis that Apple is developing a device whose sound quality will be many times superior to the existing model. It is known that the in-ear form factor chosen for the ’16 model practically eliminates any sound improvements, from which we can conclude that a full-size version is being prepared.
It is also likely that Ming-Chi Kuo’s forecast is based on a memorandum sent to Apple investors at the end of January, in which, among other things (in particular, the development of AirPods as a concept), a “new design” was promised, which seems to hint at something different for the classic 2016 model. In the memorandum, the expected release date for new products was the fourth quarter of this year.
In March, the forecast was confirmed by Bloomberg, who, citing “people familiar with the product development,” said Apple-owned California tech giant Cupertino was working on over-ear noise-canceling headphones. They then allegedly signed up as internal competitors of Beats.
Despite these statements, a miracle did not happen this year, and judging by the lack of announcements from Apple about presentations, it will not happen. Perhaps something fell through due to the ambitiousness of the tasks, the emergence of new technologies or product requirements, as has already happened at Apple. Therefore, we will probably have to wait for new products in 2019. In any case, no one officially promised anything to anyone.
Expectations, insights and assumptions
The forecast from Bloomberg authors brings some clarity, who, citing sources at Apple in June, once again wrote about the likely entry of a full-size version into the market, but already in 2019.
Then the publication’s interlocutors, “familiar with the company’s plans,” claimed that Apple was considering products from Bose and Sennheiser as its main competitors, which may also indirectly indicate a full-size version. Adam Smith of www.whathifi.com has suggested that the new headphones will almost certainly feature the W1 chip for fast pairing with Apple devices.
Bloomberg, in turn, also reported several details about the new AirPods 2019. In particular, it became clear that the new main features will definitely be noise reduction, enhanced splash protection from rain and sweat, as well as a higher cost.
In addition, according to the publication, it is possible that biometrics will be added to the new AirPods (heart rate monitoring was mentioned). This possibility exists due to the fact that the company seeks to develop the medical functionality of gadgets not only within the framework of the AppleWatch concept. Insiders report that AirPods may be equipped with a new chip and hands-free activation of Siri.
Officially, Apple refused to comment on the information presented above.
A little about the new patent
As is known from the above sources, Apple is allegedly developing full-size headphones, the main advantage of which should be “high sound quality.” But just full-size wireless headphones with decent sound, Siri support and active noise canceling? This doesn't amount to a technological breakthrough or even anything particularly impressive in the Apple ecosystem. Obviously, something is missing, some feature inaccessible to other analogues...The publication www.theverge.com suggested that such a feature would be automatic detection of the right and left ears and automatic adjustment of channels. The assumption is made on the basis of a patent that Apple lawyers recently registered. The patent title is “Automatic Left Ear Detection System and Method for Headphones.” At the same time, www.theverge.com notes that at the moment there is no information that work is actually underway within the framework of this technology and, moreover, the very fact of the development of full-size headphones finds only indirect confirmation, but does not have direct evidence.
As a conclusion
With the new AirPods, everything is clear: noise reduction, a new splash protection class and Siri control without unnecessary hand gestures are quite logical innovations. With full-size ones, on the contrary, everything is not clear yet. But many facts suggest that Apple is really looking for a replacement for Beats, which has tarnished its reputation among demanding music lovers. Perhaps they will even be able to “right from the first product” compete on equal terms with hits from Sennheiser, BOSE or some AKG, especially if they can take into account their experience.At the same time, I think that Apple is really developing something full-sized and decent-sounding. Analyst opinions and insider information are not everything; in my opinion, the Apple ecosystem has long needed such a product. Moreover, the full-size form factor is the most beneficial for both sound and battery capacity (so urgently needed for wireless headphones). Perhaps this is even the main argument in favor of the reality of such a development.
I am neither a big fan nor a hater of Apple products, but I believe that the market is undoubtedly waiting for new devices. I am also convinced that competition is almost always good for the consumer, as companies improve the quality of their products in the competition for the market. I will be sincerely glad to see your participation in the survey and comments on the topic of Apple headphones. Write down what is good/bad about them, what they lack, and what you think should be expected from new products.
Jeans
Currently in
Design and usability
7.1
Specifications
8.4
Price
4.6
AirPods 2 are Apple's updated headphones from the AirPods series. Despite the stagnation of design, the internal characteristics of the headphones have undergone significant changes.
pros
- Ease of use
- Operating time
- Siri voice input support
- Size
- Waterproof
Minuses
- Extremely high price
- Possibility of losing the earphone
Along with the new iPhone, on September 7, 2016, Apple launched AirPods wireless headphones with Bluetooth support. After its release, the new product created a lot of buzz.
“Excellent sound quality, excellent start/stop function, surprisingly precise control of the Siri assistant, impressive voice transmission during calls,” critics described the headphones with these words.
And now, more than a year has passed, and we are looking forward to what the continuation will be like. In this article, we will try to review the reliable information, as well as rumors and gossip regarding AirPods 2 - release date, specifications, price and new features.
The first generation of AirPods appeared in September 2016. Many Apple fans were expecting a new version of the headphones to be released next fall.
However, the idea that the company annually updates its product line turned out to be a myth: this is only fully true for the iPhone, but the company's other products do not have such stability.
However, almost a year and a half has passed since the release of AirPods, and Apple's intentions to release AirPods 2 are becoming increasingly clear. Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman, citing “sources familiar with the situation,” claims that we should expect the release of a new product (already receiving the internal index B288) in 2018. He also states that the third generation of AirPods will be released in 2019, so perhaps updates will become regular.
Regarding the timing of the appearance of new headphones from Apple, there are two obvious dates.
In March 2015 and 2016, Apple held special media events to highlight the launch of the Apple Watch and iPhone SE. Last spring there were no events, and small premieres were announced exclusively through press releases. Perhaps we should expect a presentation of the new AirPods 2 in the spring, but the likelihood of such an outcome is extremely low. Devoting a whole day to presenting one accessory is at least expensive, which is why the likelihood of this happening is extremely low. 
If this does not happen in the spring, then the release of AirPods 2 should be announced as part of the Worldwide Developers Conference on Apple platforms (), which will take place in June 2018.
Apple AirPods 2 price in Russia
While AirPods currently cost £159/$159, we'd expect the AirPods 2, with its not-too-radical improvements, to be priced at a slightly steeper price of £199/$199.
However, the third generation model could become significantly more expensive if it receives a new design and water resistance.
Design
It is difficult to say whether this is good or bad, but the design should not undergo any changes. The same goes for the weight of the device.
New features
New features are the key factor that separates minor updates from true blockbusters. Will Apple's new flagship be able to amaze us?
Hey Siri!
It is expected that the new version of the headphones will make it possible to access Siri hands-free. Now, in order to call a personal electronic assistant, you need to press a button.
Of course, this is a small problem, but for iPhone users who are accustomed to the phrase “Hey Siri!”, it would be more convenient to have the same functionality on AirPods. After all, such a function was implemented on the recently released . Why not?
Wireless charging now in the new Apple headphones!
Don't forget that one of the features will definitely be implemented in AirPods 2 - a special version of the battery with support for wireless charging, which will be compatible with the new AirPower wireless charging device.
However, AirPod users already know that the headphones come with an exemplary high-capacity battery.
AirPods weren't the world's first wireless headphones, but they were successful, so it's no surprise that Apple is looking to improve them.
Waterproof
According to rumors, the third generation of AirPods will be waterproof. Implementing something like this with AirPods 2 will be problematic because of their price. It's unlikely you'll be able to swim with your new headphones on (they should float to the surface, right?), but at least the rain won't catch you by surprise.
Specifications
Little is known about the technical characteristics of AirPods 2. However, Bloomberg suggests that the headphones will be equipped with an advanced wireless chip - likely W2, which is already used in the Apple Watch Series 3.
If true, that would be an improvement: Apple says the W2 offers 85% faster Wi-Fi and 50% better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth usage than the W1 used in first-generation AirPods.
Are the new AirPods 2 worth buying?
Tell me honestly? At the moment no. The new AirPods 2 are quite expensive, and the competitive market will not allow the price to be justified. They do not bring anything innovative and purchasing such a product only makes sense if you are a collector and want to own all Apple products.
In March 2019, Apple presented the second generation of AirPods. The updated headphones can do much more than the original version, but they also cost a little more.
Despite the fact that outwardly AirPods 2 completely repeat the first generation of headphones, inside the new product has been redesigned quite significantly. AirPods 2 is based on the H1 processor, which provides the new product with 50% better autonomy, improves playback quality, and also supports the “Hey Siri” command, allowing you to activate the assistant with your voice without having to do it manually.
AirPods 2 comes to the market in two versions: with a case that supports wireless charging and in a case without it. They cost 16,990 rubles and 13,490 rubles, respectively.
AirPods first went on sale in 2016 and quickly became one of the company's best-selling products. Three years later with noise cancellation, as well as second-generation AirPods with wireless charging. Along with the high demand for the AirPods line, several other factors lead to it possibly being the big hit of the upcoming holiday season.
2019 can already confidently be called the year when wireless headphones made their mark on the market. According to the Svyaznoy-Euroset company, the share of wireless headphones in total sales of these accessories for January-March 2019 was 22% in units and 58% in monetary terms. But unfortunately, instead of wires, these devices have other problems. What to do with them? Let's figure it out.
We continue to talk about the new features of the latest version of iOS, lucky number 13. One of the pleasant, and, most importantly, free innovations in this version of the operating system is audio sharing. This feature is actually not that new, and most of all it resembles sharing music from one device using a splitter for two pairs of headphones, only now everything has become more expensive and fashionable. Although the principle remained approximately the same, now additional adapters and other wires are no longer required.
The most famous smartphone is from Apple, the most famous tablet is from Apple, even the most famous headphones are from Apple. For the average user, such fame is practically meaningless, and sometimes even harmful, because one of the distinguishing features of popular devices is high liquidity. Because of it, such gadgets practically do not lose value during the entire period of their being on sale. But the second generation, apparently, is an exception to the general rule, because in just six months they have fallen in price by more than a third.
Jokes about the fact that for AirPods headphones you will have to buy an additional elastic band, like the one that mothers tie to the mittens of absent-minded children, appeared on the Internet immediately after the announcement of the new headphones. And indeed, many users experience the loss of one of their headphones (if this has happened to you, please share it in our Telegram chat). But it’s one thing when you simply lose them in your bag, at home or in the car, and quite another thing if the loss occurs on public transport.
*Some features require iOS 13 or iPadOS and are not supported on Phone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPod touch (6th generation), iPad Air, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 or earlier models .
(1) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction units of AirPods (2nd generation), Charging Case, and Wireless Charging Case (products tested using pre-release software). The headphones were paired with preproduction iPhone Xs Max units running pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (in AAC 256 kbps format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing AirPods included playing audio until one of the headphones was completely discharged. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(2) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction units of AirPods (2nd generation), Charging Case, and Wireless Charging Case (products tested using pre-release software). The headphones were paired with preproduction iPhone Xs Max units running pre-release software. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing involved using AirPods to make a phone call over a cellular network until one of the earbuds was completely drained. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(3) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction units of AirPods (2nd generation), Charging Case, and Wireless Charging Case (devices tested using pre-release software). The headphones were paired with preproduction iPhone Xs Max units running pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (in AAC 256 kbps format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing AirPods included playing audio until one of the headphones was completely discharged. After this, the AirPods were fully charged again, and audio playback continued until one of the headphones discharged again. This cycle was repeated until both the AirPods themselves and the charging case were completely discharged. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(4) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction units of AirPods (2nd generation), Charging Case, and Wireless Charging Case (products tested using pre-release software). The headphones were paired with preproduction iPhone Xs Max units running pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (in AAC 256 kbps format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50%. In the 15-minute charge test, completely discharged AirPods were charged for 15 minutes, then audio playback continued until one of the earbuds was completely discharged. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(5) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction units of AirPods (2nd generation), Charging Case, and Wireless Charging Case (products tested using pre-release software). The headphones were paired with preproduction iPhone Xs Max units running pre-release software. The volume level was set to 50%. In the 15-minute charge test, completely discharged AirPods were charged for 15 minutes, then the phone conversation continued until one of the headphones was completely discharged. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(6) Requires iCloud account and macOS 10.14.4, iOS 12.2 or watchOS 5.2.
(7) Requires the latest version of iOS.
(8) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction units of AirPods (2nd generation), Charging Case, and Wireless Charging Case (devices tested using pre-release software). The headphones were paired with preproduction iPhone Xs Max units running pre-release software. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing involved using AirPods to make a phone call over a cellular network until one of the earbuds was completely drained. After this, the AirPods were fully charged again, and the phone conversation continued until one of the headphones discharged again. This cycle was repeated until both the AirPods themselves and the charging case were completely discharged. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
- AirPods Pro are sweat and water resistant (excludes water sports) and tested in specially maintained laboratory conditions. The headphones are rated IPX4 according to IEC 60529. Sweat and water resistance may decrease due to normal wear and tear. Do not attempt to charge wet AirPods Pro: wipe and dry them according to the instructions on page . The charging case is not sweat and waterproof.
- Testing conducted by Apple in October 2019 using preproduction AirPods Pro headphones and Wireless Charging Case units (products tested using pre-release software). The headphones have been paired with iPhone 11 Pro Max running pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (in AAC 256 kbps format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50% with active noise cancellation enabled. When tested without using Transparent Mode and Active Noise Canceling, listening time was up to 5 hours. Testing AirPods Pro included playing audio until one of the headphones was completely discharged. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
- Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction AirPods (2nd generation), Charging Case, and Wireless Charging Case units (products tested using pre-release software). The devices were paired with an iPhone Xs Max running pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (in AAC 256 kbps format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing AirPods included playing audio until one of the headphones was completely discharged. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
- Testing conducted by Apple in October 2019 using preproduction AirPods Pro headphones and Wireless Charging Case units (products tested using pre-release software). The headphones have been paired with iPhone 11 Pro Max running pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (in AAC 256 kbps format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50% with active noise cancellation enabled. Testing AirPods Pro included playing audio until one of the headphones was completely discharged. After this, the AirPods Pro were fully charged again, and audio playback continued until one of the headphones discharged again. This cycle was repeated until both the AirPods Pro and the charging case were completely discharged. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
- Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction AirPods (2nd generation), Charging Case, and Wireless Charging Case units (products tested using pre-release software). The headphones were paired with an iPhone Xs Max running pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (in AAC 256 kbps format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing AirPods included playing audio until one of the headphones was completely discharged. After this, the AirPods were fully charged again, and audio playback continued until one of the headphones discharged again. This cycle was repeated until both the AirPods themselves and the charging case were completely discharged. Battery life varies depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
