Apple AirPods Studio and HomePod 2 could finally launch in October

apple homepod
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple could be about to make big waves in the world of audio, according to a report by Bloomberg which alleges that the tech giant is about to launch its first over-ear headphones, as well as a smaller version of the Apple HomePod.

Having spoken to "people familiar with the situation", the Bloomberg report says that the so-called Apple AirPods Studio and HomePod 2 will launch in October, alongside a new iPad Air and four new iPhone models – one of which will presumably be the iPhone 12

According to Bloomberg, Apple has declined to comment on its findings. However, rumors of both devices have been ramping up over the past year, and October could be the perfect time for the company to launch new products – just in time for the holiday shopping season.

What we know so far

We've been anticipating a pair of Apple over-ear headphones for a while now, with numerous outlets reporting that the Cupertino company is planning to release the so-called AirPods Studio this year.

While Apple does release over-ear and on-ear headphones via Beats, this would be the first time we've seen a pair of AirPods-branded cans – and if they're anywhere near as popular as the AirPods and the AirPods Pro, they could make a huge impact on the world of personal audio. 

These headphones could well be the smartest headphones we've ever seen, if rumors of clever ear-detecting sensors are to be believed – and like the AirPods Pro, we're expecting them to come with active noise cancellation, too. Wireless connectivity and a continuation of Apple's minimalist design aesthetic are pretty much a given. 

Meanwhile, Apple HomePod 2 rumors have been circling for even longer, with evidence of a new Apple smart speaker building steadily since we first caught wind of it back in 2018. 

The original Apple HomePod is among the best-sounding smart speakers you can buy – but it was let down by its rigid adherence to the Apple ecosystem, lack of Bluetooth support, and limited support for music streaming services

It's rumored that the next HomePod will be smaller than the original – perhaps called the Apple HomePod Mini – and will support Face ID and offer virtual stereo sound. 

Whatever features the new devices come with, both the AirPods Studio and the HomePod 2 are hugely exciting prospects – and we can't wait to see if they're launched alongside the iPhone 12, which is rumored to arrive in October. 

Olivia Tambini

Olivia was previously TechRadar's Senior Editor - Home Entertainment, covering everything from headphones to TVs. Based in London, she's a popular music graduate who worked in the music industry before finding her calling in journalism. She's previously been interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live on the subject of multi-room audio, chaired panel discussions on diversity in music festival lineups, and her bylines include T3, Stereoboard, What to Watch, Top Ten Reviews, Creative Bloq, and Croco Magazine. Olivia now has a career in PR.

Latest in Headphones
FiiO FX17 IEMs
Our favorite budget audiophile brand unveils wired earbuds with 26(!) drivers, electrostatic units, USB-C ultra-Hi-Res Audio, and a not-so-budget price
AirPods Max with USB-C in every color
Apple's AirPods Max with USB-C will get lossless audio in April, but you'll need to go wired
Sony WF-C710N
Sony WF-C710 earbuds land, and I think they'll be the 2025 budget buds to beat
Visual Intelligence identifying a dog
AirPods with cameras for Visual Intelligence could be one of the best personal safety features Apple has ever planned – here's why
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 on a purple background with text saying price cut.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are the earbuds I love and they're down to their lowest price this year
Bose QuietComfort Headphones and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds on a blue background next to TechRadar deals don't miss badge
I've loved these Bose headphones for years and they're now $100 off at Amazon
Latest in News
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 1 launches in early April, adding new monsters and some of the best-looking armor sets I need to add to my collection
Zotac Gaming RTX 5090 Graphics Card
Nvidia Blackwell stock woes are compounded by price hikes as more RTX 5090 GPUs soar in pricing, and I’m sick and tired of it all at this point
A collage of Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch and Tatiana Maslany's She-Hulk
Marvel fans are already tired of Doomsday and Secret Wars cast gossip as two more superheroes get linked with roles in the next two Avengers movies
Four operators survey Verdansk. One holds a sniper rifle, one binoculars, another holds is landing with their parachute, while the last wears a skull mask
New Call of Duty: Warzone trailer shows a beautiful rebuilt Verdansk, but some fans want more: 'it won't be the same unfortunately'
An Apple Music pink/pixellated poster advertising DJ with Apple Music
DJ with Apple Music lands, allowing subscribers to build and mix DJ sets directly from its +100 million-song catalog
The Meta Quest 3 and controllers on their charging station which is itself on a wooden desk next to a lamp
Forget Android XR, I've got my eyes on Vivo's new Meta Quest 3 competitor as it could be the most important VR headset of 2025