Apple may launch cheaper AirPods, game controller, two HomePods, and more soon
Apple has an extensive lineup of products planned for release later this year including four iPhone 12 devices, at least two new iPads, and premium over-ear headphones. Now, an anonymous tipster known as L0veToDream has shared some information about what else is in the pipeline.
Cheaper AirPods could arrive next month
Tipster Jon Prosser revealed yesterday that Apple has a pair of AirPods ready to be announced and shipped. He expects them to debut in May after originally being scheduled for the March event, which was canceled.
One big HomePod and one small HomePod
The original HomePod failed miserably but Apple isn’t giving up on the smart speaker market just yet. The leaker claims Apple is working on a small HomePod, something that has been reported several times before, and an updated version of the original product.
Apple is expected to offer support for additional music streaming services such as Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pandora. Improvements to Siri are also expected as part of a plan to revamp smart home efforts.
The original HomePod
The smaller HomePod should be offered at a lower price point in an attempt to compete more directly with Google and Amazon. Apple is expected to continue targeting the premium speaker segment with the larger model, though.
AirPower and AirPower Mini are on the way
A smaller wireless charging mat, possibly named AirPower Mini, was first mentioned back in January by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Tipster Fudge revealed yesterday that it was codenamed C26 and L0veToDream believes it has been in development since before 2019.
New AirPower concept render
To avoid overheating, the largest product integrates the A11 Bionic chipset for dynamic heat management. Whether that will be added to the Mini version remains to be seen.
An Apple Game Controller and a new Apple TV
Apple Arcade debuted last fall as a gaming subscription service and was met with a lot of praise. Now, Apple wants to double-down on its efforts surrounding the service.
Countless reports say an updated Apple TV complete with 4K support and the next-gen A14 Bionic is on track for a release later this year. L0veToDream agrees and believes Apple will focus heavily on its gaming capabilities.
Xbox One controller