Rumors of an ‘AirPods Lite’ version of Apple’s popular wireless earbuds could be in the works, according to a report by Jeff Pu of Haitong International Tech Research (via 9to5Mac (Opens in a new tab)).
It’s only been a few months since we saw the highly anticipated next-generation AirPods Pro 2 replace the company’s original ANC earbuds with a major feature advancement. And Apple surprised many of us by releasing its second-generation version at exactly the same price as the original ($249 / $329 CAD / £249 / AU$399). While it’s a boon for fans of Apple’s flagship ANC earbuds already anticipating a price hike for the Pro 2 version, it’s still a significant expense and keeps the brand out of reach for many wireless earbud buyers, despite impressive performance and features that can’t be beat. deny it.
But that may all be about to change as Pu’s report states that the Cupertino giant is working on a model described as “a lower-priced product to compete with non-Apple earbuds.” While at this point, there’s no word on what exactly the product is and what features it might have, it’s an exciting prospect for wireless earphone fans everywhere, and it could make Apple’s audio ecosystem more accessible for many.
Right now, the most affordable models in the company’s lineup of four powerful AirPods are the non-ANC AirPods 3 ($169) and AirPods 2 ($129). So it’s interesting to consider that Apple may be working on introducing an entry-level AirPods model. Could we see the first AirPods model under $99 introduced later this year? Becoming a member is easy!
Apple AirPods Lite analysis
Based on its industry sources, the Pu report claims that demand for AirPods is expected to decline in 2023, and that any new AirPods model will likely replace the AirPods 2.
While details are thin on the ground at the moment, if an Apple AirPods Lite version is in the works, the introduction should help shore up the slowing AirPods market, as well as being a top contender in the hotly contested budget wireless earbuds segment.
Stay tuned for more AirPods Lite news as we receive it.
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