Apple Working on Upgraded AirPods With Improved Siri Integration

Apple is reportedly working on two new version of its wireless AirPods headphones. The company initially launched the new AirPods with the iPhone 7 back in 2016, and it’s believed to be working on a new version of the second half of this year and another new version for early 2019.

The new AirPods coming this year will include improved Siri integration, reports Bloomberg. The current generation of AirPods lets users activate Siri on the headphones with a tap — but the new version, codenamed B288, will allow for hands-free activation through support for Hey Siri.

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The upgraded AirPods will also pack an upgraded version of its wireless chip, possibly the W2. The specific changes and improvements packed in the new chip are unknown for the time being, however. Details of the 2019 AirPods are scarce, too — but Bloomberg says that version will be splash resistant.

Apple’s AirPods are slowly becoming a trend, mostly due to its unique, eye-catching design that was initially criticised by many. The upcoming upgrades to its premium headphones will possibly lure in more iPhone users in the future, too.

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Conversation 11 comments

  • tbsteph

    22 February, 2018 - 7:19 am

    <p>Love mine despite the Shrek look ):</p>

  • sott3

    Premium Member
    22 February, 2018 - 9:20 am

    <p>They look silly and the sound quality is just okay. But they are so darn convenient if you are in the Apple ecosystem. I can use them with my iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. </p>

  • Edward Grego

    22 February, 2018 - 10:01 am

    <p>looks? Who cares at all!.. Air Pods are so convenient and sound good enough that nothing else matters, this was a huge score for Apple. If Apple would create an companion app for Air Pods on Android that gives them the same functionality as IOS, they will be the best selling headphones ever, they are that OK.</p>

  • mclark2112

    Premium Member
    22 February, 2018 - 12:05 pm

    <p>Apple Headphones have never fit my ears correctly, I can only assume these are the same way. As I am deeply entrenched in the Apple world, I would actually consider these. But I think they would spend more time on the ground than in my ears. So, please Apple, make something with different sizes and a way to secure them for running.</p>

  • ronaldavis

    22 February, 2018 - 12:56 pm

    <p>"Apple’s AirPods are slowly becoming a trend, mostly due to its unique, eye-catching design" …. Really? I'm sure they have a demographic that loves the latest trend, but I think they look goofy as hell. </p><p><br></p><p>However after using them for a couple months, I'm sold. The key to me is the charging case. It feels like they never need to be charged, unlike my other no name headphones. So the slow growth may be because they actually made a good product. </p>

    • curtisspendlove

      22 February, 2018 - 11:16 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#247805"><em>In reply to ronaldavis:</em></a></blockquote><p>Agreed. I feel rediculous wearing them. But they are just solid. The sound isn’t amazing. But I don’t use earbuds when I want awesome sound. </p>

  • jbuccola

    22 February, 2018 - 1:34 pm

    <p>AirPods + Apple Watch – smartphone = running bliss</p>

  • Winner

    22 February, 2018 - 1:38 pm

    <p>Apple should just work on improved Siri.</p>

  • Stooks

    22 February, 2018 - 1:40 pm

    <p>I never thought I would like them. I love them. They are slippery in your hand. Yes they do look kind of lame. However they are amazing overall. The sound is good, you can pair them to many devices and the charging case if great. I love the feature on a iDevice where it shows the picture of the pods/case with their current charge.</p>

  • SvenJ

    22 February, 2018 - 8:51 pm

    <p>My favorite part is just taking one out of an ear, pauses what I am listening to. Putting it back, starts it back up. I am one that they fit just fine for. My wife, on the other hand, can stand them less than 3 minutes. She'd buy a small set. One size does not fit all, Apple.</p>

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