

Apple will debut a next-generation pair of its wireless AirPod earbuds with active noise cancellation before the end of the year, according to a new report.
The company announced a minor update to its hugely-successful AirPods – with a new optional case that supports Qi wireless charging and updated H1 chip to ensure faster pairing between Apple hardware – last month. So, it seems really early for Apple to be thinking about another new pair of wireless earbuds.
However, supply chain sources speaking to Digitimes claim Apple is looking to debut a fresh round of its AirPods before the Christmas shopping rush. It seems as if these new wireless earbuds will not replace the AirPods unveiled last month, but offer better audio experience for those willing to pay a premium.
It seems very unlikely that Apple will offer active noise-cancellation in its £159 AirPods. Rival true wireless earbuds that include this feature typically start at higher price points, and Apple usually charges slightly more than its competitors for similar feature sets. For example, the noise-cancelling Sony WF-1000X cost £200 at launch.
The whispers of active noise-cancellation coming to the AirPods tallies with earlier rumours from the supply chain. Previous reports suggest Apple is looking to add biometric sensors to its next-generation AirPods. According to patents filed by the company, these will be “pressed up against a portion of the tragus,” so the AirPods can record heart rate and body temperature, as well as other health metrics.
The tragus, as we all know, is the sticky-out bit of your ear that is above the lobe, and what Apple's buds sit just behind. The health data will likely be tied into Apple's Health app, which can also record data from the Apple Watch and approved third-party fitness gadgets.
Other rumours have suggested the substantial AirPods redesign will ship in black.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.
-
I must admit, if the iPhone 17 Air is this thin I'd never stop worrying
Newly leaked images show an iPhone that's so slim I'd be concerned about breaking it
-
Apple's new content curation service is about as Apple as it gets
The new Snapshot section is very pretty, but it's also missing something pretty important
-
Samsung's flagship phones will reportedly maintain one key advantage over iPhone
Apple is said to be struggling to match Samsung in a specific tech area
-
New Apple Vision Pro tipped for early 2026, but might not be what you expect
The second generation Vision Pro may not be the game-changing model you're hoping for
-
If the iPhone 17 Pro adds these 4 new features I'm already sold
Apple needs to make a big swing
-
Apple's Severance computer may have been a joke, but the keyboard is coming for real
Tell us where we can sign up!
-
Apple Watch is set to get Apple Intelligence this year, but only with a little help from a friend
Bring on watchOS 12
-
iPad reportedly getting major makeover and your current model could benefit too
Apple is said to be making a change that iPad power users have been wanting for years