Why a Bluetooth upgrade for AirPods excites me more than cameras or AI


AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max

Jada Jones/ZDNET

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • If Apple enables LE Audio on its devices, it would bring several improvements.
  • They already have the necessary hardware to support LE Audio.
  • Even if Apple greenlights LE Audio, don’t count on it supporting Auracast.

On the docket for this year’s Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), are a potentially more capable, conversational Siri and anticipation of this fall’s iOS big update. Though hardware announcements are more robust in the fall, Apple analyst Mark Gurman asserted that Apple was working on a new AirPods model with integrated cameras to feed environmental images to Siri.

Also: If Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 bore you, I hope you’re ready for camera-equipped earbuds

Though integrated infrared cameras open a world of possibilities for increased earbud capabilities, there’s one small AirPods upgrade I’m more interested in: LE Audio. Apple’s current AirPods lineup, AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4, all have the basic hardware for LE Audio; all that’s missing is for Apple to pull the lever and enable it via over-the-air firmware update.

LE Audio in AirPods would deliver improved battery life, lower latency, standardized latency and audio quality, and better performance for hearing aids.

Choosing preferred codecs

In a perfect world, Apple would enable LE Audio on its source devices (iPhone, Mac, iPad) and receivers (AirPods), and allow consumers to toggle between AAC and LC3 within a device’s Bluetooth settings. Apple prefers the AAC Bluetooth codec and specifically optimized it for Apple devices when the iTunes Store launched in 2003.

Thus, it’s built on older technologies from Classic radio, and it is power-intensive. If you’ve ever connected non-Apple headphones to an Apple source device, you’ll notice that the headphones’ battery drains faster.

AirPods Max 2 in Starlight

AirPods Max 2 in Starlight

Jada Jones/ZDNET

In this case, having the option to enable LC3 in the Apple-branded device’s Bluetooth settings would make a difference. Users could experience audio quality comparable to Apple’s AAC codec, with ultra-low latency and efficient power consumption.

Apple users often connect non-Apple headphones and hearing aids to their Macs, iPads, or iPhones, and the power consumption of those third-party headphones while streaming AAC is not optimized as it is with Apple’s AirPods. As a result, users can experience battery drain.

Also: I connected a Bluetooth Auracast receiver to my TV, and it’s a worthwhile home audio upgrade

The opposite is also true: for AirPods users with third-party tablets or computers, enabling the LC3 codec would deliver improved audio quality, ultra-low latency, and more stable connections. Though AAC is widely adopted, Apple’s audio signal encoding is of much higher quality and more reliable than that of other manufacturers. 

SBC is the standardized, royalty-free Bluetooth codec that all Bluetooth-enabled devices must support, while AAC is optional but widely adopted. Apple chose AAC because of its higher audio quality. LE Audio replaces SBC with LC3.

Don’t bet on Auracast

Due to Apple’s penchant for a walled-garden ecosystem, Apple may choose to omit certain LE Audio features and keep proprietary alternatives within its ecosystem.

I’ve had several conversations with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the organization that oversees development of Bluetooth technologies. What’s always stuck with me after these conversations is that it’s up to manufacturers to decide which Bluetooth features are implemented in a Bluetooth-enabled device.

Also: I spoke with Bluetooth reps about the future of connected audio, and it’s cooler than I expected

So even if Apple enabled LE Audio on its devices, it could still choose to omit some features, such as Auracast. Instead, Apple would keep its proprietary audio-sharing feature exclusive to AirPods and Beats users. Apple’s devices already use Bluetooth Low Energy radio for proximity sensing and audio synchronization when sharing audio.

As years pass and society becomes a web of interconnected devices, Apple has been more open to adopting standardized technology features, even if begrudgingly. Encrypted RCS messaging and universal USB-C ports became the standard for manufacturers and ecosystems, and over time, Apple accepted them. Hopefully, LE Audio is next.





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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