Later this year, Apple may make changes to its popular AirPods wireless earphones. According to analyst Jeff Pu, the company plans to release an affordable model. It is expected that production will involve a Foxconn subsidiary and ramp-up will take place at an Indian factory by late 2024, according to Pu’s report.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously predicted two updated AirPods for September or October, which coincides with these rumors.
According to reports, they are codenamed B768E and B768M. In the first case, the term means ‘entry’ while in the second, it could refer to ‘mid-tier’. These new models will feature improved fit, improved sound quality, and USB-C charging cases. ANC and a speaker in the charging case may also be included in the higher-end models with Find My Location tracking.
As for Gurman’s prediction for the entry-level 4th generation AirPods, it is uncertain whether the budget-focused model mentioned by Pu will be accurate. It seems likely that Apple will introduce a more accessible price point for its audio lineup in the near future.
Additionally, Gurman revealed that the AirPods 4 will be mass-produced by GoerTek and LuxShare Precision in May, possibly alongside the iPhone 16 series.
There are also rumors that AirPods Max will be updated in the last quarter of 2024. Gurman predicts only minor changes, including a USB-C charging port and new color options. Currently, there are five color options available: Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.
