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Apple has planned some changes to the AirPods line, but they aren't expected until next year at the earliest. Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple has a new generation of AirPods in the pipeline, including new AirPods Lite with a target price of $99 and an updated version of the AirPods Max.
Kuo is the second analyst, following Jeff Pu, to report on the possibility of so-called "AirPods Lite" in recent weeks. The AirPods Lite would be a completely new addition to the AirPods lineup. Kuo says Apple is targeting a price of around $99. Apple currently sells the AirPods 2 for $129 (€159), while the AirPods 3 start at $169 (€209). In addition to the AirPods Lite / AirPods SE, or whatever Apple ultimately calls them, Kuo says an updated version of the AirPods Max is also in the works. It's unclear exactly what will be new, but it would be the first update to the AirPods Max since their initial release in December 2020.
What new features will the AirPods Max 2 offer?
Most AirPods Max users hope that Apple will focus on improving sound quality, perhaps with support for lossless playback, improving the carrying case and updating the design with new colors. Improved battery life is also high on the wish list. Kuo saysthat Apple plans to launch the next generation of AirPods in the second half of 2024. However, that timeline could shift to 2025. That means we shouldn't expect any major changes to the AirPods lineup until then. Bloomberg reported a few days ago that Apple is focusing most of its attention on its upcoming AR/VR headset, which could be announced in the next few months. As such, products like the Apple Watch and AirPods aren't expected to be as much of a focus this year. (Photo by Unsplash / Simon Hrozian)
