Apple is working on new AirPods Max and AirPods Lite

The rumors were already circulating and Ming-Chi Kuo also says it now: Apple is working on new AirPods Max and AirPods Lite. But when will the new AirPods appear?

Cheaper AirPods Lite in the works

According to the usually very reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on a cheaper pair of AirPods. The budget version of the AirPods – also called the AirPods Lite – will cost only $ 99, according to Kuo. For comparison: Apple is currently selling the AirPods 3 for €197.00 and the AirPods Pro 2 for €269.95.

The AirPods Lite will therefore be a lot cheaper. What exactly the cheaper earphones will look like is still unclear. The charging case is expected to have at least no speaker, but it does have a USB-C connection. The earphones probably look the same as the AirPods 2, but can be equipped with the U1 chip. This makes ‘Precision finding’ possible.

Most expensive AirPods ever finally get a successor

Apple may therefore come with the cheapest AirPods ever, but is also expected to update the most expensive AirPods ever. According to Kuo, the Apple AirPods Max will finally get a new successor after two years. The new AirPods Max are mainly improved in the technical field: the battery lasts longer and the headphones (hopefully) finally get support for Lossless audio.

Also read: ‘Future AirPods will get Lossless audio via Bluetooth’

Apple is also going to overhaul the design of the new AirPods Max. The storage case gets an improved design and the headphones are released in multiple colors. The control of the AirPods Max will be adjusted to touch controls. With this you can swipe or tap on the earcup to adjust the volume or change the song. Much more convenient than the Apple Watch crown of course.

AirPods Lite and AirPods Max 2: Here’s when they appear

So it is now almost certain that Apple will come up with cheaper AirPods and try to compete with the budget wireless earphones. When can we expect the cheapest and most expensive AirPods on the market? According to Kuo, this will not happen until the second half of 2024 at the earliest, with a possible extension to 2025. So you will have to wait a while.

This long production time may be related to the launch of Apple Reality, Apple’s first VR glasses. Apple is now mainly focusing on releasing the glasses, so no major updates are expected for other devices this year. So can’t you wait another year to buy new AirPods? Then check the best prices in our price comparison:

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