With the second generation of the HomePod 2 now available, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts some other Apple acoustic products will get the next iteration as soon as 2024. According to Kuo, Apple is working on a new HomePod mini 2, AirPods Max 2, and an AirPods low-cost version. Their mass production will likely start in 2H24 or 1H25. Here’s what we know about each of these products.
New HomePod mini 2
![Apple HomePod Mini Side](https://bgr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/apple-homepod-mini-5.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=768)
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is the first to say Apple is working on a second generation of the HomePod mini. At the end of January, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Apple is not “actively working” on a new iteration of the HomePod mini.
After the debut of a new full-sized HomePod, many users started asking about an update to the mini model. But at this point, I don’t believe that Apple is actively working on such as product. The latest HomePod doesn’t include any major new functions that aren’t already in the $99 mini, so there isn’t an obvious reason to update the model.
Sure, it would be nice to get more colors, a cheaper price, and better sound and microphones, but the real improvements probably need to be made on the back end — with Siri and app integration.
That said, it’s unclear which features Apple would bring to a new generation or what else it would change to its entry-level smart speaker.
AirPods Max will turn four before getting a new model
![AirPods Max Comfort](https://bgr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/apple-airpods-max-5.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=768)
Besides Kuo’s prediction, one of the last times we heard something about the new AirPods Max was in May 2021. At the time, Gurman said Apple was readying new colors – which never launched. Then last year, the journalist said Apple is expected to switch all its AirPods models to USB-C, meaning a 2024 release for a second-generation AirPods Max was likely.
For AirPods Max 2, users expect Lossless capabilities as the company now offers a new H2 chip for AirPods Pro 2 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. In addition, a new carrying/charging case, besides the USB-C switch, is also something users want. Improvements to Find My and Transparency Mode make sense once AirPods Pro 2 features them.
Low-cost AirPods model
![AirPods](https://bgr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AirPods.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=768)
According to Haitong Itl Tech Research analyst Jeff Pu, Apple is working on this “lower priced product” to compete with non-Apple earbuds. He’s unclear about the features these wireless earbuds will have.
On the other hand, Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said last month that this possible model would cost $99, although he was also unclear on which features – or form-factor – it would have.
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