Source: Rene Ritchie / iMore
What you need to know
- Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says AirPods Pro will get an update next year.
- Other details aren't clear, but Kuo does expect sales to boom.
Apple will launch new AirPods Pro earbuds in 2022 according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a research note seen by iMore, the analyst says that Apple's earbuds business will be boosted by AirPods Pro sales during the year.
Kuo says that while Apple's AirPods business will "decline in the short term (2H21–1H22)" he expects that to be rectified by the second half of the year. Short term, however, lower than expected demand is thought to mean Apple will ship up to 75 million units which is 10 million down on the previous prediction.
In terms of AirPods as a whole, Kuo says that he expects Apple to ship more than 100 million units in 2022, even if the new products don't feature an "innovative experience." Such an experience has been talked about before — previous reports have suggested some form of health tracking could be added to AirPods Pro specifically.
Apple's AirPods Pro refresh is due, as is a new pair of AirPods. Apple's mid-range earbuds are rumored for a refresh before the end of the year. You don't have to wait that long to get some though, and right now you can save some money as well. Just make sure to check out our collection of the best AirPods deals before you place your order.
Apple will hold an iPhone event this September, all being well. With Apple Watch and iPad updates also possible we could be in for a busy last few months of 2021.

This ultra-rare Apple computer just sold for $468,750
An Apple-1 computer hand-numbered by Steve Jobs has sold at auction for $468,750.

iOS gaming recap: Drop into the Disney Mirrorverse and more from Netflix
This week in the iOS gaming world, Netflix made some more big moves to bring a beloved game to mobile, while Disney is doing more multiverse madness.

Review: This ZAGG Apple Watch band is a good Braided Solo Loop dupe
We love the Apple Braided Solo Loop, but that $99 price tag can be hard to swallow if you want multiple colors. Thankfully, ZAGG has a good alternative that costs half of that.

Buy one of these silly AirPods cases to stand out
You want something really weird, silly, or wonderfully different to protect your AirPods from life's bumps and drops? We've got you covered.