Next week, during its annual hardware event, Apple will announce new versions of its second and third-generation AirPods, with promises of better audio features and the much-desired USB-C port.
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According to Bloomberg, Apple’s previous-generation AirPods, which were launched last year, did not sell as well as expected. In response, the company will unveil two new models: an affordable, more stripped-down version and a mid-tier model with more advanced features.
Of the two releases, the mid-tier model will also gain a speaker for Find My capabilities and tracking.
The Find My speaker is a convenient way to locate your AirPods when you know they’re close by but can’t pinpoint their exact location. If the feature on the new AirPods functions similarly to that on the more premium AirPods Pro, you should be able to trigger the speaker built into the case by clicking the “Play Sound” button in the Find My app.
It will then alert a sound to help you locate your device. This feature, once reserved for the AirPods Pro 2, will be one of many new features funneling into Apple’s more accessible earbuds.
Bloomberg also reports that the new generation of AirPods will have fixed any problems related to quick battery draining. At the same time, a rumored ear health tracking feature, which gives your AirPods hearing aids-like capabilities, seems to have been delayed.
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Along with the new AirPods, there are whispers of updates to the now four-year-old AirPods Max, but the new model is reportedly stuck in development and won’t receive a refresh until next year. For what it’s worth, Apple often throws in a surprise announcement during its events, and we’re hoping the AirPods Max get that treatment this year.
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