Renowned analyst Apple Ming-Chi Kuo believes the company will release an updated version AirPods in the second half of 2018. However, he did not say exactly what improvements and changes Apple he will bring to the second generation of headphones. All that is known is that they will use scaled-down quartz parts from supplier TXC.
Kuo also said that due to limited stocks, the headphones will not be available until January next year. Inventory problems are caused by delays in the production of printed circuit boards for the batteries, he said. Apple can't keep up with the high demand for wireless headphones during the holidays. Despite production problems, Kuo estimates that next year Apple will double sales AirPods to 26 million.
Since AirPods were first presented in September 2017, Apple has made only one improvement. The company has unveiled a new charging case that can be charged using the AirPower cradle. Both devices (case and stand) will be released early next year. However, it is unlikely that the updated headphones AirPods will be released at the same time Apple. Kuo believes they will only be released in the second half of 2018.
It is unlikely that Apple will radically change the design of the headphones. Most likely, the second generation AirPods will slightly change the shape for a more comfortable position in the ear, as well as improve the sound quality, etc.