Apple AirPods Lite is reportedly launching next year or in 2024, along with the next-generation AirPods Max.
Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disclosed that the iPhone maker is now working on the cheaper AirPods offering, which costs less than $100.
(Photo : JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Apple wireless AirPods are tested during a media event at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California on September 07, 2016.
Apple AirPods Lite 2024 Launch
Kuo says that Apple is planning to introduce more affordable AirPods, which likely cost less than $100. The analyst said in his recent tweet that Apple is "targeting a price of $99" for the "more affordable AirPods."
It sure is way cheaper than the current entry-level wireless earbuds of the iPhone maker. Much like the Black Friday pricing of the current-generation AirPods.
As per a report by 9to5 Mac, it is not the first instance that an analyst predicts that an aptly named "AirPods Lite" is in the works. In fact, the latest prediction of Kuo corroborates the previous claim of another analyst Jeff Pu.
Once the entry-level option releases, it looks like the AirPods lineup would then include three options.
The cheapest variant could potentially start at $99, much cheaper than the standard and Pro options.
(Photo : Stephen Lam/Getty Images)
An attendee wears an Apple AirPods during a launch event on September 7, 2016 in San Francisco, California. Apple Inc. unveiled the latest iterations of its smart phone, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, the Apple Watch Series 2, as well as AirPods, the tech giant's first wireless headphones.
9to5 Mac notes in its report that the second-generation AirPods now retails for $129, while the third-generation costs $169. On the other hand, the higher-end AirPods Pro 2, which supports active noise cancellation, sells for $249.
So if you find these current AirPods out of your budget, the upcoming "Lite" version might suit you. However, Kuo notes that the "more affordable" option could likely see the light of day next year, or in the second half of 2024, to be more exact.
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New AirPods Max in the Works
On top of that, Kuo went on to add that Apple is also gearing up to debut an all-new AirPods Max, along with the AirPods Lite.
Mac Rumors reports that the Cupertino giant introduced the first-ever AirPods Max last 2020. The wireless over-ear headphones provide active noise cancellation, selling for $549.
The first generation lacks some handy features. Mac Rumors says it misses out on Precision Finding in the Find My app and USB-C port support. The battery life and noise cancellation function could also see some improvements.
However, Kuo kept mum about the details of the rumored next-generation AirPods Max. He only pointed out that Apple is looking at releasing it in 2024, along with the Apple AirPods Lite. By then, we should get a glimpse of what the new offering brings to the table.
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