Apple is working on AirPods Lite to compete with cheaper headphones

To date, Apple has four current models of wireless AirPods in its arsenal, ranging from second-generation AirPods to on-ear AirPods Max. Admittedly, AirPods are the most popular wireless headphones in the world, but not everyone can afford them. According to analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong Intl Tech Research, the company intends to enter the market for less expensive headphones and is now working on new AirPods Lite to compete in this segment.

The analyst is confident that demand for AirPods will fall this year, despite the fact that this is a fairly successful accessory. Industry sources are forecasting a drop in shipments of Apple headphones from 73 million to 63 million units. This is due to “soft” demand for AirPods 3 (compromise demand, in which the buyer agrees to replace it with a similar product if the necessary product is not available) and the fact that Apple may not release a new model of headphones in 2023. At the moment, it is unclear what exactly these “lightweight” headphones are and what functions they will have. One thing is clear – the headphones will receive a lower price tag to compete with products from other manufacturers.

After the release of the AirPods 3 in 2021, Apple not only kept the AirPods 2 on sale, but also reduced their price to $129. Presumably, AirPods Lite at the start of sales will cost a little less. But there is a possibility that the company could lower the price of second-generation AirPods again, for example, to $99. Then the novelty will be appreciated even cheaper.

The latest Apple earbuds to date are the second-generation AirPods Pro, introduced in 2022. They received significant improvements in sound and a new charging case with a U1 chip. At the same time, nothing is heard about updating the base model at the moment.