Based on its recent iPhone launch events that took place in September, Apple always has something else ready to unveil alongside the handsets. Back in 2014, it was about the iPhone 6, Apple Watch, and Apple Pay. Two years later, the new AirPods were unveiled next to the iPhone 7 family. Although the 3rd generation AirPods were introduced in October 2021, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro surfaced in September 2022, during the launch event for the iPhone 14 series. This year, it could happen again.

In less than a month, Apple will hold a new media event. Scheduled to take place on September 10, it is expected to bring into the spotlight the next-gen iPhone lineup, the Watch Ultra 3 and the Watch Series 10, but also no less than three AirPods models. As revealed in the Bloomberg Power On newsletter, if everything goes as planned, Apple is going to release two AirPods 4 models this fall. These two models will arrive as Apple discontinues the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3, so the cheaper AirPods 4 will replace the first, while the more expensive AirPods 4 will replace the latter in the product portfolio of the tech giant headquartered in Cupertino.

Since there is no official launch date or technical specs to talk about, the names are not known yet either. It is possible to see a pair consisting of AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 Pro, AirPods SE and AirPods 4, AirPods Lite and AirPods 4, or something different. However, it is expected for the higher-end AirPods 4 to get active noise cancellation, which is not present in the feature set of the AirPods 2 or 3, but only in the Pro and Max. In the end, based on what has been happening lately, it is certain that Apple will deliver all its next-gen hardware sporting USB-C charging, and this would include an updated AirPods Max.

Sadly, as far as the rumors go for now, the next-gen AirPods Pro are not going to arrive this year. On the bright side, those interested can currently snatch the AirPods Pro 2nd generation off Amazon for $189.99 instead of $249, thanks to a generous 24% discount.