Ahead of Apple's "Gather Round" event, rumors suggested the company would introduce updated AirPods with an improved wireless chip and support for hands-free "Hey Siri" functionality.

There was no mention of updated AirPods on stage when the new Apple Watch and iPhone models were unveiled, but Apple's event intro featured a video where "Hey Siri" support for AirPods is clearly demonstrated as a feature.


The "Hey Siri" moment happens at about 40 seconds into the video
In the Mission Impossible parody video that kicked off the event, an Apple employee racing across the Apple Park campus to deliver an item to Tim Cook uses "Hey Siri" with the AirPods to ask for the fastest route to the Steve Jobs Theater.

The "Hey Siri" hint suggests that this functionality is indeed coming to the AirPods at some point in the future, so it's possible that Apple is still planning to unveil updated AirPods later in the year.

At the current time, summoning Siri requires a double-tap on the side of one of the AirPods, which is much less convenient than the hands-free option.

If new AirPods are still on the horizon, that may also mean that Apple still intends to unveil the AirPower at some point in 2018. There was no mention of the AirPower at today's event and the device has essentially been scrubbed from Apple's website, so it's not entirely clear if and when it's going to launch.

Along with the AirPower, Apple is meant to be introducing a new wireless Charging Case for the AirPods, which is simply listed as "Unavailable" on Apple's website.

Apple could be planning to unveil AirPods with "Hey Siri" support, a wireless AirPods Charging Case, and the AirPower all at the same time later in 2018, but the company's plans are still very much unknown at this point.

Related Roundup: AirPods 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Caution)
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

2010mini Avatar
66 months ago
When are the releasing the transporter beam technology?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hendot Avatar
66 months ago
The video also hints at a teleport feature on future Apple Watch models.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rudedude Avatar
66 months ago
From the way she was running through the water I also thought that AirPods that are water resistant we’re going to be announced...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
liberte1776 Avatar
66 months ago
Really lame they still haven't released the new AirPods!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cwanja Avatar
66 months ago
Or she used an Apple Watch? She did not technically raise her wrist, but could it have already been ‘active’ given that she was carrying the case.

Who knows. Probably the AirPods.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dontwalkhand Avatar
66 months ago
Umm what it also tells me is that Apple Watch should be OFFICE KEYS NOW! Come on Apple!
[doublepost=1536798200][/doublepost]
When are the releasing the transporter beam technology?
WatchOS 6 of course, I am sure it will only work with the Series 4 and above though. I think you also need the LTE version, as it contains a cellular chip, allowing you to beam to any location with service, whether or not you have your iPhone with you.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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