Apple will announce two new AirPods models on Monday. Here are the key differences

On Monday, September 9, Apple will announce its new iPhone 16 lineup. Along with the iPhone, we’ll see a new Apple Watch and a bunch of new software features. We’ll also learn more about Apple’s in-house generative AI model, Apple Intelligencewas announced by the company at its annual developers conference in June.

Also: Everything we expect at Apple’s iPhone 16 event: AI features, AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, and more

The products I’m most excited about when Apple announces them, however, are the two new pairs of AirPods that the company is waiting to replace the current second- and third-generation models. Both AirPods will get significant upgrades, but there are some key differences you should consider before you pre-order. Let’s take a look.

The current second-generation AirPods are the cheapest and least software-heavy AirPods you can buy from Apple. They lack spatial audio, noise cancellation, and transparency mode, and offer five hours of audio playback. The current third-generation model also lacks noise cancellation and transparency mode, but offers six hours of audio playback.

According to BloombergAccording to Mark Gurman, the biggest difference between the two new headphones is the noise cancellation feature and Find My speaker.

In Gurman’s report, he said the upgraded second-generation model will come with improved noise isolation and sound quality. It will also get a redesigned carrying case with USB-C charging capabilities. The AirPods ear tips will retain the traditional shape of the wired Apple EarPods.

Also: New AirPods are coming next week. Here are the top 4 features I want to see

The upgraded third-generation AirPods will feature noise cancellation and transparency modes, and will feature a Find My speaker on the new USB-C compatible charging case. The speaker will make it easier for users to find their AirPods by pressing the “Play Sound” button in the Find My app to activate the speaker.

These earbuds will be most similar to the high-end AirPods Pro 2, which won’t be getting an upgrade this year. I don’t expect Apple to surprise us with new AirPods and an upgraded chip, wary that doing so could hurt Pro 2 sales.