Apple's popular AirPods are going to get two new models next year, according to a new report.
Apple is expected to give the AirPods and AirPods Pro new designs in 2021. According to Bloomberg, the entry-level AirPods will get an AirPods Pro-style redesign with shorter stems, replaceable ear tips, and improved battery life. They're not expected to get the active noise cancellation feature of the AirPods Pro, though.
Meanwhile, the next version of the AirPods Pro are expected to ditch the stem entirely. Apple's next Pro earbuds are instead expected to get a more compact, rounded shape that fills more of the wearer's ear.
It's said that including noise cancellation, wirless antennas, and microphones into this smaller design has been challenging for Apple, so the final design of the next AirPods Pro may not be quite as big an update.
The stem on Apple's AirPods were mocked by quite a few people when the AirPods were first released. That design is less controversial now as AirPods have enjoyed huge popularity, though. Shrinking the stem on the AirPods and eliminating it on the AirPods Pro could help Apple to make a smaller charging case, so that could be one reason why Apple would want to update the design even if the stem on the AirPods has become widely recognizable.
In other Apple headphone news, today's report says that Apple is still planning to launch high-end over-ear headphones with noise canceling. These headphones were reportedly supposed to go into production weeks ago, but had to be delayed because the headband was determined to be too tight. Apple may not offer an interchangeable headband with the final model.
Apple is reportedly considering lower-end AirPods, too, which would presumably allow them to reach a lower price point that the standard AirPods that start at $159.