While speculation continues that an overhaul of the AirPods is imminent, Apple commentator Mark Gurman, a well-connected tech writer at Bloomberg, has reiterated that two entry-level AirPods 4 versions will be available in 2024 He reiterated the outlook.

While there is no official news from Apple regarding the so-called AirPods 4 wireless earbuds, Gurman wrote in his latest newsletter, Power On (via MacRumors), that Apple will focus on its wearables business in 2024, with the Vision Pro and Apple Watch will get more attention, he said. More interesting to me, however, is that the Cupertino tech giant reiterates that it intends to replace both sets of entry-level AirPods in 2024.

Apple added a USB-C port to its flagship AirPods Pro 2 noise-canceling wireless earbuds at its Wonderlust event earlier this year and rolled out its Adaptive Audio suite to the Pro 2 series in iOS 17. Apple has also begun selling a USB-C equipped charging case for the AirPods Pro 2 for $99, so it is safe to assume that the new AirPods coming in 2024 will have USB-C charging ports instead of Lightning.

The AirPods 4 will slim down Apple's entry-level model and replace the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3. It is not currently clear what its price point will be, but Garman has previously mentioned that the new version will be "similarly priced" but "more differentiated" to avoid confusion over the pricing structure.

The new entry level is expected to be quite similar to the AirPods 3. The enhanced version will blur the lines between the tiers by inheriting some Pro-only features, such as active noise cancellation (ANC) and a charging case with speaker for "Find My Alerts". This makes ANC more affordable, and both new versions are said to feature an improved fit and a stem and look "like a blend of the 3rd generation AirPods and the Pro model."

Apple typically changes/introduces new AirPods at its September event, and a new version of the AirPods 4 will likely launch alongside new iPhone models in late 2024.

Additionally, there are rumors that Apple will also release a new version of its flagship headphones AirPods Max 2 in 2024. This update will likely be limited to new color options and a USB-C charging port to replace the Lightning port.