Apple's Upcoming AirPods: High-End AirPods Max & Affordable $99 Option

Apple is working on an upgrade to its AirPods Max headphones as well as a budget-friendly AirPods "light" with a target price of $99 in the works. These new devices, however, will not be ready for some years, with the cheaper AirPods not scheduled to be available until the second half of 2024 at the earliest.

Affordable AirPods: A Move to Regain Market Share

Apple would most certainly be attempting to reclaim market share from the numerous inexpensive wireless buds on the market with the AirPods light (or LE, or whatever Apple chooses to name them). The current AirPods 2 are $129, while the AirPods 3 are $169, however both are often reduced. Neither has active noise cancellation, but competitors like as Oppo offer ANC for less than $100.

Timing for the Release

According to reports, Apple's concentration on its AR headset will result in a "muted 2023" for other goods, so new audio items won't be available anytime soon. The next-generation AirPods, including the less priced variant, would be available in the second half of 2024 or the early part of 2025.

In other news, we are also hoping that Apple works on improving cross-platform sharing such as contacts transfer. The rigidity in the Apple ecosystem can be quite annoying at times and prevent users to carry out the most mundane tasks. Even though Apple has become more Android friendly, it has a long way to go before a seamless user experience is achieved.

Current AirPods: Review and Complaints

Apple added Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, as well as a new design, Adaptive EQ, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, longer battery life, enhanced voice clarity, and other features in the third-generation 2021 AirPods. The product's biggest flaws were on fit, sound quality, and cost. Although the release date for these new AirPods is still a long way off, it will be fascinating to watch how Apple responds to these issues and what additional features will be introduced in future iterations.