A new iOS 13.2 beta, out today for registered developers, spilled details about Apple’s next-generation AirPods with noise cancellation for the first time.
An image of the new Apple earbuds reveals a revamped design with soft tips. The beta also references different listening modes.
Rumors surrounding new AirPods with noise cancellation have been circling for a while now. So long, in fact, that some sources claimed the feature would come with the last AirPods refresh.
Now we have hard evidence of the impending upgrade, which suggests third-generation AirPods could be close.
AirPods 3 with new design and features
A glyph representing the new earbuds, first spotted in iOS 13.2 by 9to5Mac, hints at a tweaked design with soft, interchangeable tips rather than an entirely hard plastic form factor.
Photo: Apple
It’s not yet clear whether these AirPods, with the model number “B298,” will replace the current model. Apple could sell them as a pricier alternative.
References in iOS 13.2 indicate users will have access to different listening modes. It seems Apple will call noise cancellation “focus mode.”
New AirPods could come next month
Apple is expected to host another hardware event later this month, primarily focused on refreshed iPad Pro models and a brand-new 16-inch MacBook Pro.
The company’s third-generation AirPods could appear then. That would certainly explain why Apple already started making preparations for AirPods 3 in iOS 13.2.
