Analyst claims Apple developing new, more affordable AirPods
Apple is working on new, more affordable AirPods to rival competing earbuds, according Haitong International Research analyst Jeff Pu.
In a research note seen by 9to5Mac, Pu suggests that the new AirPods, dubbed “AirPods Lite”, are set to launch at a new, lower price point, although no details where shared on what features the new earbuds could offer, nor was there any speculation on how low the “AirPods Lite” could be priced from.
In the same note, Pu forecasts that although AirPods continue to be a strong seller for Apple, based on his industry sources, demand is expected to drop this year, with the analyst reporting that shipments could decrease from 73 million units in 2022 to 63 million in 2023, citing “soft AirPods 3 demand” with the prospect of the iPhone maker holding back any new AirPods releases until 2024.
Apple’s most affordable AirPods are the second-generation AirPods, priced at $129.00. The lineup includes additionally the latest third-generation AirPods beginning at $169.00, the second-generation AirPods Pro at $249.00, and the high-end over-ear AirPods Max at $549.00.
With no new AirPods releases expected this year, it is likely that the rumored new “AirPods Lite” wouldn’t launch until 2024 at the earliest.