Analyst says Apple will introduce entry-level AirPods Lite TWS earphones in the second half of 2024

According to an investor note from the market analyst, Apple may launch AirPods Lite – a more affordable version of its true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones – later this year alongside second-generation on-ear AirPods Max headphones. Previous reports have also suggested that Apple is working on cheaper AirPods models along with refreshed versions of the standard AirPods and AirPods Max, while the company has yet to reveal any plans to launch new wireless earphones models this year. Have done.

The iPhone maker will launch a cheaper AirPods Lite model in H2 2024, according to an investor note released by Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu, seen by 9to5Mac. Apple is also planning to launch a new AirPods Max model later this year, which will be similar to the first one. -generation model that was introduced in December 2020, according to Pu, who did not provide any details on how much the device might cost, or what features it would offer.

Production of AirPods is expected to increase during the second half of the year, with the analyst reportedly saying in the research note that the company’s TWS earphones volume will fall to 55 million units as a result of “lower demand for existing models.” Year-on-year (YoY) decline of 4 percent.

Last month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple was preparing for its “biggest AirPods launch ever.” The Cupertino firm is expected to launch the successor to the AirPods (3rd generation) in two models codenamed B768(E) and B768(M) – the E and M are said to stand for “entry” and “mid-tier” respectively . , and the latter could come with support for more features, like active noise cancellation and external speakers for better Find My support.

There’s no word on whether Apple will launch two new fourth-generation AirPods models in addition to the rumored AirPods Lite, or whether the cheaper AirPods 4 model could make its debut as the alleged entry-level AirPods Lite. Earlier reports suggest that the third generation AirPods Pro are expected to arrive in H2 2025 with an improved H3 chip and a new earbud design. More details about the company’s upcoming AirPods models are likely to emerge in the coming months, even before they are rumored to debut.