Apple’s rumored next-generation noise-canceling AirPods will launch at the end of this month with a new “Pro” moniker and a price tag of around $260, claims a new Chinese-language report this morning.
Bloomberg originally reported they would arrive in 2019, and then revised that estimate to 2020 earlier this year. Now China Economic Daily reports that Apple’s noise-cancelling AirPods could arrive as the “AirPods Pro” later this month.
The AirPods Pro are said to include a new metal design to support noise cancellation, and may be priced as high as $260. Previous reports have also suggested these new AirPods will include water resistance for gym or vacation use.
Reports of AirPods Pro arriving in late October come just days after a new AirPods design was discovered in an iOS 13.2 beta. 9to5Mac discovered a glyph that suggests Apple could be about to introduce AirPods that look very similar to its old in-ear headphones.
If Apple’s AirPods Pro debut in 2019, they’ll go up against competition from Amazon, Microsoft, and more. Amazon is launching its $129 Echo Buds later this month, complete with Bose technology for noise reduction. Microsoft is also launching its $249 Surface Earbuds “later this year,” with tap and swipe gestures to control music and Office 365 apps.
