This may be the next big launch from Apple in 2018 other than iPhones

We have heard rumours in the past about Apple launching the next-generation AirPods later this year. Now, a new report coming from Bloomberg reconfirms those claims and gives a bit more detail on what to expect from the upcoming wireless accessory.

The report says Apple will make the device more powerful with an upgraded wireless chip for managing Bluetooth connections. The first-gen Apple Airpod came with W1 chipset and the second-gen came last year with W2 chipset.

While this is on the inside, from the outside the upcoming AirPod version is also being said to be water resistant. On the software front, one of the biggest addition coming to AirPods this year will be the support for ‘Hey Siri’ voice command.

Apple could be launching the new AirPod later this year alongside the three new iPhone devices.

KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo back in December predicted the Cupertino-based tech firm to launch the next-gen Airpods in 2018. Kuo did not reveal the specifics of the upcoming AirPods. However, he did reveal that it may come with a ‘smaller quartz component’. In addition, the new 2018 Apple AirPods will be assembled by Inventec, a Taiwanese manufacturer, who is also responsible for developing the current version AirPods.
The components for the new AirPods, however, will be supplied from Unitech, Compeq, TXC, and HLJ, says reports.

Furthermore, it has been mentioned that the company may launch new inductive AirPods charging case. This will let users charge the new headphones wirelessly on the AirPower charging mat. The mat is also said to be made available next year.

Kuo has said that suppliers are having a tough time fulfilling the demand of current AirPods for the holiday season. He predicts that the AirPods shipments will double this year to 26-28 million on YoY basis.

Apple introduced its AirPods in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus. Last year in September it brought the 2nd-gen AirPods case that features support for wireless charging.