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2024 is shaping up to be a big year for Apple. As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, the Cupertino-based tech giant will focus majorly on its wearables. These include the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Vision Pro. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 lineup could take a back seat. Rumor has it that it won’t pack any significant hardware upgrades.
Apple to focus on wearable devices in 2024
Every year, Apple’s iPhones have been the center of the company’s product strategy. The company’s sales have witnessed a decline across its major product segments including iPhones, Mac, iPad, and wearables in the quarter ending in September 2023.
Going by the latest development, it seems that the Cupertino-based tech giant is all set to go beyond its flagship smartphones. In 2024, the Apple Vision Pro, AirPods, and the Apple Watch will take center stage. The brand’s next-generation TWS earphones and smartwatch are touted to get significant upgrades.
AirPods 4 could get a new design, ANC, and more
Gurman reports that Apple plans to launch the fourth-generation AirPods next year. There will be two models of the TWS earphones with an updated design, a redesigned charging case, and a USB-C port. The higher-end variant will reportedly feature active noise cancellation (ANC) bringing it to a more affordable price point.
Gurman says that this will help Apple fix the problem with its AirPods lineup. The third-generation non-pro offering looks similar to the AirPods Pro. However, it doesn’t necessarily pack any upgraded features compared to its predecessor. This resulted in consumers opting for the cheaper $129 second-generation AirPods. Gurman also expects the new AirPods Max headphones next year with a USB-C port and more color options.
Gurman also reiterates a previous report that Apple is also working on software-based hearing aid functionality. The feature could be released next year. The Cupertino-based tech giant is aiming to position its AirPods as a viable substitute for hearing aids. Apple’s premium AirPods Pro third-generation is slated to arrive in 2025 with body temperature and health-tracking features said to be in early development.
Next year’s Apple Watch to come with upgrades
The next-generation smartwatch from Apple will also be the tenth edition offering. The Apple Watch X will reportedly get at least one model with a new design. Gurman once again reiterates his previous report that next year’s smartwatch will come equipped with hypertension (just a fancy term for blood pressure) and sleep apnea detection. These are potentially life-saving features.
The current-generation Apple Watch Series 9 packs only incremental upgrades along with the cool double-tap gesture. Hence, it is not expected to sell well.
Apple’s Vision Pro plans
Apple announced the Vision Pro mixed reality headset at WWDC earlier in June this year. The company has reportedly started inviting several employees in January to learn how to use and sell the device. This indicates that the launch of the device is fast approaching and Gurman believes that the headset could be released by the end of January and sometime in February. The Cupertino-based tech giant is yet to figure out the key selling point of the Vision Pro but believes that it could become a success within a few years.