DigiTimes: Second-Gen AirPods Pro to Launch in Second Half of 2021

Apple will launch a next-generation version of AirPods Pro in the second half of next year, according to a new report today.

AirPods Pro
According to DigiTimes' sources, at least some of the next-gen AirPods Pro models will be assembled by Inventec Appliances in Vietnam, with current generation AirPods Pro manufacturers Luxshare and GoerTek also taking a share.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who often reliably predicts Apple's product plans, has previously said that Apple is working on a second-generation version of the AirPods Pro that will go into mass production into the fourth quarter of 2021 to the first quarter of 2022, suggesting no AirPods Pro refresh in 2020 or early 2021.

Future AirPods could include light sensors, which could be used for health monitoring features. DigiTimes has suggested the new sensors could be included in AirPods in one to two years. Health monitoring features could let the AirPods monitor heart rate, step counts, and health conditions, as well as detect head movements.

Apple is also rumored to be working on a third-generation version of the lower-end AirPods, for a planned rollout in the first half of 2021. Kuo originally said the third-generation AirPods will look similar to the current AirPods with no design changes, but later said that the new AirPods will feature a form factor design "similar to AirPods Pro."

The third-generation AirPods are expected to adopt a more compact system-in-package (SiP) that's similar to the internals of the AirPods Pro, which will allow the audio features of the AirPods to be integrated into a casing more similar in design to the AirPods Pro.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

itsmilo Avatar
68 months ago

Airpods Pro is the only Apple product I regret buying.
If a new version releases, I will be waiting this time for a while to see proper reviews.

Funny enough I bought the pair from US in January when I traveled mainly because I wanted airplane noise cancellation.
Turns out the covid made this a bad investment from my side, especially that the Airpods v1 sound much better (for my ear shape) than the Pros.

Honestly, I hope they nail down the issues some users - including myself - have with them and we see another cool Apple product.
i prefer my first generation AirPods too. I love how I cannot even tell I am wearing them. It’s like the music comes out of thin air and I prefer the bass compared to my AirPod Pro.

The only thing I like more is the ANC but that’s it.

i actually assumed in-ear would mean that they would stay better IN my ears, especially since they provide 3 different sizes but nope I have the constant feeling of them almost falling out and I have to push them back in. The original AirPod fit me better (tho I also dropped them a few times)
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kebabfar88 Avatar
68 months ago
All i want is volume control :(
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Justin Cymbal Avatar
68 months ago
I love my AirPods Pro! I use them all the time

The noise cancellation works great - hopefully it can be improved even more in the 2nd gen version

If Apple does release the 2nd gen in the 2nd half of 2021 I will definitely upgrade and give my 1st gen to my dad
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kylo83 Avatar
68 months ago
Can’t wait for the update with iOS 14 in the fall with auto switching and 3D audio it will need a firmware upgrade
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PickUrPoison Avatar
68 months ago

I love my AirPods Pro but I cannot get rid off popping sound while walking. Nothing helps....
Replacing them will help ?

They’re defective. It’s a well-known problem, Apple will replace them.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hsotnicam8002 Avatar
68 months ago
Volume control on device, please.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)