Rumor: Next-gen AirPods to arrive in two colors, feature new grip coating, health features

It came from the rumor mill, so there might be a nugget of truth to it.

An inside source claiming knowledge of Apple’s AirPods and AirPower devices has claimed that the second-gen AirPods, or “AirPods 2” will arrive in two colors, ship with the previously announced wireless charging case, and also have a new coating to provide better grip on the earbuds.

The AirPods 2 are expected to look identical to these original ones but will have some improved grip on the earbuds

The next-gen AirPods are also thought to be undergoing significant internal changes with a release date of later this year. The grip on the earbuds is believed to be from a new coating rather than the physical change that Apple made to the Apple Pencil with its flattened side. Internally, the only update to the audio quality of the AirPods is believed to be an improved bass sound. 

Additional new features are thought to include heart rate monitoring, something Apple has been hiring from the health field for.

It’s also been noted by the sometimes-very-accurate MySmartPrice that the updated AirPods will retail for $200, as opposed to the $159 price tag for the original AirPods. Apple is also thought to be modifying the case for the AirPods to, making it slightly smaller than the present case.

As always, stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via AppleInsider and MySmartPrice