Apple seems on schedule to launch new “entry-level” AirPods in September this year, potentially alongside the iPhone 16 line-up. Production for two new entry-level AirPods models —fourth generation— is likely to kick-off soon with the iPhone maker setting a “record-setting run” for the number of units it plans to make, according to a report.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman who has been keeping a close eye on these “upcoming” earbuds, is reporting that Apple is planning to produce 20-25 million fourth-generation AirPods, with production to start at GoerTek Inc. and Luxshare Precision Industry Co. in May. Clearly, Cupertino must be anticipating strong demand, in part due to their entry-level pricing.
Apple AirPods 4 expected features, variants
What’s different from the last few generations is that it is making two new models and planning to release them simultaneously in the market. The lower-end version goes by the codename B768(E) internally while the more “mid-tier” version, is being called B768(M). While both the models are expected to introduce brand-new design with improved fit and finish and USB Type-C charging, the relatively higher-end model could incorporate active noise cancellation and Find My tracking (with dedicated speakers like the current-generation AirPods Pro).
One of the “downsides” of the existing third-generation AirPods is that they have a design and a few feature set identical to the top-tier AirPods Pro, but with pricing that makes them a bit harder to justify over the second-generation AirPods.
The third-generation AirPods start at Rs 19,900 in India while the second-generation model starts at Rs 12,900. Apple maybe looking to retire the second and third-generation AirPods after the AirPods 4 launch to streamline the portfolio, making them more appealing to buyers at least in theory.
Apple AirPods Pro update
Previously, Gurman has also reported of a AirPods Max refresh with USB Type-C charging and new colours (though not much could be changing internally with regard to the hardware). As for the next AirPods Pro, they’re not expected until 2025 while in a few years from now, we may see Apple fitting “low-resolution cameras” inside them to seemingly scan the environment around a user. On the software side, Apple will reportedly release a “hearing aid mode” for the AirPods Pro with iOS 18 (also due to release in September) while the AirPods may get what’s being called a “hearing-test” feature. Watch this space for more details.
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