Second-Generation AirPods Pro Rumored to Launch This Fall, New AirPods Max Colors Also in the Works

Apple is planning to release the second-generation AirPods Pro this fall, rumored to feature a new design, improved audio quality, and some possible health integration, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

AirPods 3 Heart Health Sensor Feature red orange
As Gurman writes in his latest Power On newsletter:

Look out for new AirPods Pro in the fall. The current model has been on the market since fall of 2019, so the batteries are already probably in trouble for some early adopters. Also look out for an AirPods Max refresh with new colors (and, we hope, a price drop—$550 is absurd for those headphones).

The AirPods Pro have not been refreshed since their launch in 2019, and multiple rumors have suggested a launch this year. Gurman's claim of a fall launch lines up with information previously shared by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said a launch would occur in the second half of the year. The new AirPods Pro could feature a more compact design that sees away with the stem, coupled with a new charging case and lossless audio support over a new protocol.

As for the AirPods Max, Apple is not expected to be working on a second-generation model of the over-ear headphones that launched in December 2020. Instead, Apple is thought to be working on new color options. Today, Gurman said that the new colors are still being worked on but stopped short of offering a timeline for when they could launch.

Related Roundups: AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 3
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
airpods color prototypes

Apple Tested AirPods in Bright Colors

Saturday December 27, 2025 6:06 am PST by
Apple reportedly tested a version of the first-generation AirPods with bright, iPhone 5c-like colored charging cases. The images, shared by the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami," claim to show first-generation AirPods prototypes with pink and yellow exterior casings. The interior of the charging case and the earbuds themselves remain white. They seem close to some...
iPhone Fold Vertical Feature

Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected

Tuesday December 23, 2025 5:21 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report is anything to go by. According to The Information, the outer display on the book-style device will measure just 5.3 inches – that's smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the ‌iPhone‌ mini, a line Apple discontinued in 2022 due to poor sales. The report has led ...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Iridescent Search

Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

Tuesday December 23, 2025 11:55 am PST by
Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18...
iPhone SE Cosmopolitan Clean

Apple Discontinued These 25 Products This Year

Wednesday December 24, 2025 7:24 am PST by
With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out. Below, we have...

Top Rated Comments

0924487 Avatar
48 months ago
I don’t like the fact that those buds are disposable. As the battery life span runs out, they end up in the ?.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
48 months ago
Thank god! We are finally getting some new colors. ?

I hope new AirPods Pro comes in different colors as well besides white. Make it happen, please.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macvicta Avatar
48 months ago
I like the stems.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
surfzen21 Avatar
48 months ago

I don’t like the fact that those buds are disposable. As the battery life span runs out, they end up in the ?.
Would be nice if the battery was replaceable, even if it was only through apple.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
syklee26 Avatar
48 months ago
Max with LDAC-like codec to stream hi-fi music…or at least have usb-c…. otherwise why have lossless option?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
4jasontv Avatar
48 months ago

I like the stems.
Agreed. To me, they do three things that stemless earbuds suffer from.
1. Their iconic design means they don't look like hearing aids.
2. They make inserting and removing the earbud more comfortable.
3. They offset forces associated with gestures so that it doesn't feel like you are trying to operate a hotel elevator while intoxicated.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)