Apple has a few changes in the pipeline for the AirPods lineup, but those aren’t expected to materialize until next year at the earliest. Ever-reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is preparing a new generation of AirPods, which will include a new base AirPods with a price target of $99 and an updated version of AirPods Max.
Kuo is the second analyst in recent weeks to report on the possibility of so-called “Lite” AirPods, after Jeff Pu, as we previously blogged about in this January 3 post. These “Lite” AirPods would be a brand new product in the AirPods line. Kuo says Apple is aiming for a price of around $99
In addition to the “Lite” AirPods, or whatever Apple ends up calling them, Kuo says that there’s also an updated version of the AirPods Max on the way. It’s unclear exactly what will be new, but it would represent the first update to the AirPods Max since their initial release in December 2020.
Most AirPods Max users expect Apple to focus on improve sound qualitypossibly with support for lossless playback, upgrade carrying case (if it can be called a case) and update the design with new colors which also invite an aesthetic change and not only by specifications. The improved battery life it is also high on the wish list of many AirPods Max 2.
Kuo claims that Apple intends to launch this “new generation” of AirPods in the second half of 2024.
Bloomberg reported a few days ago that Apple was directing most of its attention to its upcoming AR/VR headset, which could be announced in the coming months. So, Products like the Apple Watch and AirPods aren’t expected to get much attention this year.
Would you be interested in one of the new AirPods that could arrive in (yet) another year? Do you think Apple should change course in the AirPods lineup or keep the current one guided by existing rumours? Leave it to us in the comments!
