Apple could bring a new, affordable version of AirPods later this year called the AirPods Lite as per new reports. The AirPods lineup needs a big refresh and it is expected to happen in 2024 as we have seen through multiple reports in the past few months.
The new AirPods Lite could be priced as low as $99 (Rs 8,100 approx) which gives it a better chance to succeed in markets like India, where it should be available for under Rs 10,000. Most of Apple’s products in the region cost more than other countries because of the high import duty and other taxes.
There is a reason why many iPhone users like to buy TWS earbuds from other brands that cost below Rs 5,000. If Apple can bring one of its AirPods in this category or even Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 closer to this range, people will happily lap it up.
Talking about the AirPods Lite, the lower price tag could mean Apple could leave popular features like ANC and stem controls for playback and volume. Additionally, the sound drivers on the Lite model could be smaller and low on quality compared to the regular and Pro version of AirPods.
Apple could also remove support for wireless charging, which means you will have to charge the gadget using the built-in USB C charging port in the wired mode, like most affordable earbuds we have in the market. The AirPods Lite (or whatever Apple names it) will be launching along with new AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 4th gen model as well.
All these AirPods should help the company get more people to upgrade or buy the earbuds for the first time, which is essential for the growth of the segment for Apple and give people more choices in the market. We are also hoping that the iOS 18 update brings some AI tweaks to the AirPods, but it remains to be seen if the upgrade comes to the older models or all of them, including the Lite version.
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