JBL Boombox 3 is a portable Bluetooth speaker, the third generation of the JBL Boombox series, and was released in October 2022.
Its rugged, waterproof exterior is designed for outdoor use and is perfect for small parties, beach fun, picnics, or camping.
The PartyBoost feature lets you connect multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers to create a more extensive, immersive sound experience.
But what about his future successor, Boombox 4? Will it be much better? What can we expect? Is the release date known?
After the release of Boombox 3, Pulse 5, and Partybox Encore, all eyes are on the next JBL move.
In this article, I’ll reveal my expectations and update you as much as I can about the release of Boombox 4.
Release Date
If I have correctly interpreted JBL’s principal mechanical engineer’s live stream, there will be no Boombox 4 until the second half of 2024.
He smiled playfully and bit his tongue, hinting at the possibility of planning something.
I think JBL won’t announce the Boombox 4 until the middle of 2024 at the earliest. They wouldn’t have to do much, but it would still be extremely early in the cycle.
The JBL Boombox was released in August 2017, followed by the JBL Boombox 2 in April 2020 and the JBL Boombox 3 in October 2022.
Notably, the time between the first two releases was three years, while between the second and third releases was two years. Based on this pattern, Harman is expected to continue with the trend in the upcoming years.
Some of these JBL speakers are on discount on Amazon in October 2023:
Price
The price of the Boombox 3 already suggests that the Boombox 4 price won’t be low, but it also cannot be much more expensive as the price difference between Boombox 2 and Boombox 3 in October 2023 is merely $50 – $100.
They also need to increase the functionality for the price; therefore, I anticipate that, at the very least, IPX7 will be added.
Nobody will spend twice the price of a JBL Xtreme 3 on the Boombox 4 just to have the same protection. Therefore, the feature is overdue and probably will happen.
The prices on Amazon for two new JBL Bluetooth speakers that recently came out are around $300 for Partybox Encore and about $250 for Pulse 5.
I would guess the price of Boombox 4 will be a maximum of $550 –which would be great if the features we’re calling for come to reality.
So I wouldn’t think twice about what Bluetooth speaker I would buy for outdoor use.
It will also be very popular with people who want to use it for a home setup because the Boombox 3 is already running great.
Expectations and Possible Deliveries
I don’t believe it’ll integrate wireless charging or zone out – the average consumer doesn’t need it.
A stronger built-in battery and faster charging would be my absolute wish, even if they have to adjust the software entirely, so I really count on it.
Higher rate of protection – IPX7: I honestly believe this should not be an issue, as this was already announced for some other brands’ models that are coming soon. IPX7 is not a part of Boombox 3, so it’s the right time to introduce it.
Zone Out: Even while I think that’s a shame, and technically, there shouldn’t be much of a problem, I simply don’t think that’s JBL’s target audience.
Bluetooth version 5.4: I could well imagine that Bluetooth 5.4. will be integrated as it’s coming out in 2023, and it would also make sense.
Hence, only a few minor details are left, like updated design, fresh, vibrant colors, etc. There won’t be any real evolution either, but I’m confident the Boombox 3’s primary issues will be fixed.
Don’t get me wrong, that’s an excellent device, but no matter how good the product is, problems always start to show after a while.
Judging by the fast development of Harman products, I’m absolutely sure that Boombox 4 will have better sound quality than any other model that comes out in the same period.