AirPods 4 will get two versions, noise cancellation, USB-C port and hearing aid functionality

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, in his weekly Power On newsletter, has revealed new details about the 4th generation AirPods wireless headphones that Apple is expected to unveil next year.

Here's What We Know

According to Mark, AirPods 4 will have two versions with different prices. This is to replace both AirPods 3 and the cheaper AirPods 2, which are still on sale. First of all, these versions will differ in the presence of active noise cancellation in the more expensive model. Right now, only the AirPods Pro boast this feature.

Apple will update the design of the headphones, as a result of which the headphones will look like something between the current AirPods and AirPods Pro with shorter legs.

On top of that, a USB-C charging port will replace the company's signature Lightning port, and a software update due out later next year will include hearing aid functionality. This means that AirPods will be able to serve as an over-the-counter alternative to traditional hearing aids. Apple also plans to offer hearing tests that will let AirPods users know if they have hearing loss.

The AirPods 4 are likely to debut in autumn 2024 alongside new smartphones.

Also expected in 2024 are updated AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro in 2025.

Source: Bloomberg