This year we will have new AirPods Pro model if Ming Chi Kuo's predictions come true, who also ensures that in all probability they will not include USB-C in their case.
The AirPods Pro have already been two years old, and it will probably not be until they have completed their third year of life when they have their replacement already available in stores. According to Ming Chi Kuo, our preferred analyst, mass manufacturing of this new generation of headphones will start this summer, probably in the months of July or August, to be able to go on sale before the end of the year. In this way the new headphones could be presented together with the new iPhone models and go on sale simultaneously.
Kuo also ensures that their manufacture will take place in Vietnam, a change that Apple already hinted at a few days ago when it communicated to its suppliers its intentions to change the manufacture of many of its products from China to Vietnam or India. After all the supply problems caused by the pandemic in China, Apple's intentions are to depend less and less on the Asian country for the manufacture of its products, and this will be a further step in that direction.
Where there will be no change is in the charging port. After all the news that Apple will finally change the Lightning port of its products to USB-C, largely due to pressure from the European Union, it seems that the AirPods they will continue with the Lightning for another generation. It makes perfect sense since the iPhone will continue this year with a Lightning port, and it is not expected to be until the 2023 model when it will switch to USB-C. In any case, we must remember that the AirPods Pro are also charged wirelessly.
There are also other rumors about changes in its form and new sensors related to health and physical activity, as well as the "lossless" sound support. All these rumors have not yet been confirmed by any reliable source, so we will have to wait until we have more information about it.