Aside from the original iPhone and Apple Watch, none of Apple's other product lines seem to have a specific update cycle. For example, the iPad sometimes comes out with several models a year, but last year there was no iteration of the new product, but May 7 should usher in a wave of updates.
There are also AirPods, which have only undergone two iterations since they came out in 2016. And it's been two and a half years since the last update. The good news is that the fourth-generation AirPods are expected to be unveiled in the second half of this year, which will bring some upgrades and improvements.
AirPods 4
According to the reliable rumors of AirPods 4 summarized by foreign technology media MacRumors, this generation of AirPods will usher in a strategic change, and may launch two versions, namely "affordable version" and "high-end version" to meet the needs of users at different price points.
The high-end version will get some features that were previously exclusive to AirPods Pro, such as active noise cancellation and a charging case with speakers. There may also be support for touch-based volume adjustments similar to AirPods Pro, as well as deeper Find My integration.
In addition, the AirPods 4 will also be powered by the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2, which is expected to bring some improvements in bass performance and clarity. There's also Bluetooth 5.3, which provides a faster, more reliable connection, as well as lower power consumption, so battery life should be extended as well.
In terms of appearance, the AirPods 4 will be between the current AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2, and will have a shorter ear stem design, which will further improve the fit with the ear. It's just unclear whether the high-end version with active noise cancellation will come with earbuds.
Finally, in terms of price, the price of the AirPods 4 high-end version has not yet been revealed, but there are rumors that the affordable version is priced at $99, which is currently about 718 yuan.
Beats Solo Buds
Another media outlet, Android Headline, broke the news that Apple will also release Beats Solo Buds TWS earphones this year. The headset will support Apple's Find My and Google's Find My Device for location finding after loss. The "b" on the back of the earbuds can be used to play/pause music, answer calls, and activate voice assistants.
It's similar to the current Beats Studio Buds, and will be available in matte black, storm gray, arctic purple, and clear red, with four sizes of earbuds: XS, S, M, and L.
And it will be priced lower than the AirPods 4 Affordable Edition, which is expected to cost $79.99, which is currently about 580 yuan. When this headset is launched, it will also be Apple's lowest-priced WTS headset.
Overall, the AirPods 4 upgrade this time is quite impressive, and the high-end version has active noise cancellation, which may be used as a replacement option for AirPods Pro. And the Affordable version, if the price is really $99, it can be said to be very fragrant.
As for the Beats Solo Buds, it's up to you to see how they look......