Analyst Min-Chi Kuo stated that Apple is developing an AirPods “lite” with a target price of $99 as well as an update to the AirPods Max headphones. However, Kuo claims that the more affordable AirPods will not be available until the second half of 2024, so the new products won’t be available soon.
Apple would likely be attempting to reclaim some market share from the numerous low-priced wireless buds currently on the market with the AirPods lite (or LE, or whatever Apple chooses to call them). The AirPods 2 at the moment are priced at $129, while the AirPods 3 are priced at $169, though both are frequently discounted. While Oppo-affiliated rivals provide active noise cancellation for less than $100, neither model offers it.
According to report, Apple’s focus on its augmented reality headset will result in a “muted 2023” for other products, delaying the release of new audio products. According to Kuo’s tweet, the less expensive AirPods of the next generation will begin shipping in the second half of 2024 or the first half of 2025. He didn’t say when Apple plans to release the AirPods Max, but they haven’t been updated since December 2020, when they first went on sale.
Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, an updated design, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, longer battery life, improved speech quality, and other features were included in the third-generation 2021 AirPods from Apple. The product’s fit, sound quality, and price were the primary points of contention.