AirPods to get "Hey Siri" detection, water-resistance in future

This is despite the fact the first-generation model continue to be supply constrained on Apple.com, more than a year after release.

Like with Amazon's Echo devices or the iPhone, a user would be able to trigger the virtual assistant simply by saying the wake word aloud - "Hey Siri", in this case. In the new AirPod models, summoning Siri would be hands-free, requiring only a voice command and no physical prompt.

B288 will also include "an upgraded Apple-designed wireless chip for managing Bluetooth connections".

Gurman reports that these new AirPods could arrive as early as this year, and claims a third version of AirPods, created to be more resistant to water, will arrive as early as next year.

The second new pair, expected to arrive in 2019, will likely be water resistant, allow it to "survive splashes of water and rain".

Bloomberg reports that the new AirPods model due this year will feature voice activation.

This new edition of the popular AirPods will also reportedly come with a new wireless chip.

AirPods are part of Apple's wearables products, which include the Apple Watch and Beats-branded gear including headphones.

AirPods have proven to be one of Apple's most successful products since launching almost two years ago. It is unlikely that they will be created to survive a dip in the pool.

By comparison, the current iPhone 8 and iPhone X models can survive in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Beyond that, though, we could be in for an even more substantial upgrade to the AirPods themselves later this year.

Whilst AirPods are generally okay if used in rainy weather, they are not rated as being water-resistant.