What to expect from AirPods in 2024

Ready for revamped Apple earbuds?

Author

Leander Kahney
December 29, 2023

It’s easy to forget the derision and mockery that greeted the first AirPods when they debuted in December 2016.

Costing $160, they were seen as expensive and goofy-looking because of the long, white stalks that stuck out of your ears. Jokers called them “ear fangs.”

But they came with a bunch of benefits that are now standard: no wires or on/off switches, a clever charging case, an instant connection to a paired device.

Fast forward a few years, and AirPods are the bestselling listening devices, dominating the new category of wireless earbuds. There are dozens of competitors, but AirPods still rule the roost.

Apple has big plans for the little white buds in 2024: See what Cupertino is cooking up.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • Apple execs say they want to make the Mac a top gaming platform, but here’s what the company needs to do to be successful.

  • B&H Photo’s big end-of-year MacBook sale is still on. You can save hundreds on high-end MacBooks.

  • I highly recommend taking a few minutes to see if you have unwanted App Store subscriptions you’re paying for but no longer need. I just did this myself and discovered a handful of subscriptions I’d forgotten about … and saved a bunch of money.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

What to expect from AirPods and AirPods Max in 2024

Are you ready for some revamped AirPods? Look for two levels of AirPods 4 and some changes to AirPods Max, but not AirPods Pro (yet).

What Apple can do to bring a Mac gaming renaissance

Powerful processors make Macs into capable gaming computers, but Apple needs to subsidize game developers to port their products to macOS.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

$2,000 off a loaded MacBook Pro? Don’t miss B&H's year-end Mega Deal Zone.

Didn't get that MacBook Pro you wanted as a gift? B&H Photo has you covered with massive year-end savings on Apple laptops.

Russian ghost haunts season 4’s ‘Legacy’ episode of ‘For All Mankind’ ★★★★☆

The alternative-reality space series brings back a key figure from Margo Madison's past while asteroid-heist schemes hatch.

How to save money by dumping unwanted App Store subscriptions

Need to clear out unwanted App Store subscriptions? Correcting past mistakes is easy if you know how to cancel subscriptions on iPhone.

A message from the Cult of Mac Store

This sleek stainless steel band makes Apple Watch luxurious

Looking for an Apple Watch band worthy of a black-tie dinner and a dip in the ocean afterward? Try the Laut Links Petite Apple Watch Band.

Today in Apple history: Apple ships world's largest LCD display

On December 29, 1999, Apple started shipping its unfathomably large 22-inch Cinema Display. The biggest LCD computer display available anywhere, Apple's flat panel was a far cry from CRTs.

This MacBook Pro workstation enjoyed a very merry Christmas [Setups]

It was a holly jolly Christmas for at least one user this year. They added dual external displays, an iPad mini and much more.

Tweetz o’ the day

One more thing ...

❝

When I went to school, it was right after the ’60s and before this general wave of practical purposefulness had set in. Now students aren’t even thinking in idealistic terms, or at least nowhere near as much. They certainly are not letting any of the philosophical issues of the day take up too much of their time as they study their business majors. The idealistic wind of the ’60s was still at our backs, though, and most of the people I know who are my age have that ingrained in them forever.

— Steve Jobs, 1985.

Today’s poll

Which AirPods are your favorites?

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Results from yesterday’s poll: How disciplined is your password strategy?

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