Apple is working on a new version of the AirPods Max and is also developing a “lite” version of the AirPods priced at $99, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on Twitter. However, don’t expect the new products to be released anytime soon. According to Kuo, the planned release date for the budget AirPods is not expected before the second half of 2024.
With the AirPods Lite, Apple is likely aiming to capture a share of the affordable wireless headphone market. Currently, the AirPods 2 are priced at $129, while the AirPods 3 are priced at $169, although both models are often available with discounts. However, neither of these models offers active noise cancellation, while competitors from companies like Oppo offer ANC headphones for under $100.
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple’s focus on its AR headset will result in a “quiet 2023” for the development of other products, meaning new audio products won’t be coming soon.
The third-generation AirPods, released in 2021, introduced spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, a redesigned shape, an adaptive equalizer, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, improved battery life, enhanced voice quality, and more. The main complaints about the product were related to the fit, sound quality, and price.