Apple is gearing up to launch the next version of its AirPods, but on this occasion, the company is set to have different priorities for this year. Instead of focusing heavily on its premium wireless earbuds, the California-based giant is reportedly shifting resources to ramp up production of its less expensive range and could produce up to 25 million units to capture a massive market.
The new AirPods range is expected to replace the second and third-generation non-Pro versions, and an affordable price range will propel Apple to an unrivaled global position
Apart from the second-generation AirPods, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has mentioned in the latest edition of his ‘Power On’ newsletter that Apple also plans on launching a successor to the AirPods 3 and is aiming at a massive shipment target for its wireless earbuds. Production is said to be handled by suppliers GoerTek and Luxshare, with the launch details given below:
“The company’s vendors overseas are nearing the start of production for the next AirPods line, I’m told — and it could be a record-setting run. The company is planning to produce 20 million to 25 million units of the earbuds, an increase over prior new models. Production will formally kick off in May at GoerTek Inc. and Luxshare Precision Industry Co., setting the stage for a release around September or October. As I’ve written several times, the new AirPods are a renewed push into the lower end of the market.”
As for what is going to be different about the two versions of AirPods, Gurman states that both of them are said to sport a newer design, along with charging cases that will feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning. This interface transition will make it easier for consumers who have already purchased the iPhone 15 and want to complement their user experience with some AirPods that sport a USB-C charging case.
“The new models will replace the second- and third-generation AirPods. The updated versions are codenamed B768(E) and B768(M), with the E representing “entry” and the M standing for “mid-tier.” Both will have a new design, improved fit and charging cases with USB-C, but the mid-tier version will get active noise cancellation and Find My speakers in the case, making it easier to locate the product if it gets lost.”
Pricing for these second and third-generation AirPods was not mentioned in the newsletter, but Apple could hit a home run if it introduced the new line at just $99.99. For iPhone and iPad users, pairing these AirPods would be as simple as making a few taps here and there while also providing a wireless earbuds option for Android device owners to enter the same ecosystem at a lower price.
Of course, in the aforementioned price range, these AirPods will likely miss out on features such as Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, but it is one of the few trade-offs that potential buyers have prepared themselves for beforehand.
