The Apple AirPods 2 is arriving in the first half of 2019. The next generation wireless earphones would reportedly come with a host of features that would make them one of the most anticipated wearable devices in recent years.
According to Apple Insider, the next generation AirPods could come in with health monitoring functions - a first in this class of wearable device. While this feature hasn't been confirmed yet, Apple's closest competitors Google and Amazon are already preparing their own version of wireless earphones with health tracking functions.
Due to the success of the Apple AirPod, Amazon and Google are eying to release their own versions of the AirPods in the second half of 2019. Google and Amazon are recognized as Apple's main rivals in this field have sold 10 to 20 million units.
While the Apple AirPods 2 are meant to be used with Apple devices, recent reports suggest that the next generation AirPods would be cross-compatible with Android devices. The AirPods 2 with health monitoring function would allow consumers to access the voice assistant, such as Siri or other AI assistants, without the need to raise their arms as they would while using an Apple Watch or similar devices. The AirPods 2 would also eliminate the need for pulling out their iPhone or iPad.
An earlier report from the Apple Insider suggests that the next generation AirPods would come with "wireless charging support" and an upgrade in Bluetooth specifications. The report also states that Apple's next-generation wireless earphones would come with a revised W-series chip.
The new W-series chip to be equipped in the AirPods 2 is designed to improve the wearable device's connection to the iPhone. It would likely improve the battery life and would also enable the "Hey Siri" functionality.
The well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kio suggests that the next generation AirPods can also be charged wirelessly. It is then safe to assume that the AirPods 2 would serve as the base for an improved third generation AirPods that would likely come out in 2020.
The AirPods 3 would feature all the improvements made with the AirPods 2. According to MacRumors, the third generation Air Pods would likely be water resistant which would allow the AirPods to hold up to "splashes of water and rain."
The latest from the rumor mill hints that the premium version of the AirPods would cost around $159. That being said, the entry of the Apple AirPods 2 would further increase the already competitive market in the wearable device.
