Next-Generation AirPod Pros Expected to Launch in the Second Half of 2021

Apple is reportedly planning to launch the second-generation AirPod Pros in the second half of 2021. The new pair of wireless earbuds are expected to provide additional health monitoring features.

Assemblers have already begun gearing up for the production of the next-generation AirPod Pro earbuds, according to Digitimes. Sources have said that Inventec Appliances will be a key manufacturer alongside Luxshare and GoerTek, who both manufacture the current AirPod Pros.

The next-generation Air Pods are rumoured to provide additional health monitoring features. These features may include step counter, heart rate monitoring, and detect heart conditions and head movements. All of these can be achieved by the introduction of new light sensors.

Additionally, previous reports indicate that the third-generation AirPods are expected to release in the first half of next year. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that AirPods 3 will launch in Q1 2021 and will transition over to a form factor similar to the AirPods Pro. However, in a report from MacRumors, Kuo has previously stated that he believes the second-generation AirPod Pros won’t be shipped until Q4 2021 or Q1 2022, possibly contradicting the Digitimes report.

In recent news, Apple has been granted a patent for over-ear headphones, which would support touch gestures. Patents suggest Apple may support taps and swipes to control volume, change music, or pause audio. These headphones, which are reportedly called AirPods Studio, will likely be announced by the end of the year.