Apple working on New AirPods Max, AirPods Lite Worth $99: Ming-Chi Kuo

Analyst Jeff Pu previously claimed that Apple has started developing AirPods Lite.

Written by Sucharita Ganguly, Edited by Richa Sharma | Updated: 12 January 2023 19:43 IST

Apple working on New AirPods Max, AirPods Lite Worth $99: Ming-Chi Kuo

Photo Credit: Apple

Apple introduced AirPods Pro 2 with significant improvements

Highlights

AirPods Lite expected to be cheaper AirPods variant
AirPods Max initially released in December 2020
A new variant will be the first update to AirPods Max

Apple reportedly has some new options for the AirPods product line, but they are not expected to be accomplished until next year at the earliest. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on a new generation of AirPods, which include new entry-level AirPods — expected to be dubbed as AirPods Lite — with a target price of $99 (roughly Rs. 8,000) and an improved version of AirPods Max. AirPods Lite would be an entirely new addition to the AirPods lineup. It is still unknown what will be new with AirPods Max 2, although this would be the first upgrade to the AirPods Max since their official launch in December 2020.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who reported the updates in a series of tweets, Apple is targeting a price of around $99 (roughly Rs. 8,000) for AirPods Lite or whatever the official name ends up being. Apple currently offers AirPods 2 for $129 (roughly Rs. 10,500), while the price of AirPods 3 begins at $169 (roughly Rs. 13,800).

It was also previously reported that Apple is working on a new variation of Airpods to compete with less expensive wireless earbuds. In 2022, Apple released the second-generation AirPods Pro, which included substantial improvements such as improved noise cancellation and a new charging case with the U1 chip for Precision Finding.

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Apple is expected to prioritise working on improving the sound quality, possibly with high fidelity playback support, introducing changes to the carrying case, and upgrading the design with new colours for Airpods Max. An improved battery life is also expected for the AirPods Max 2.

According to Kuo, Apple plans to release the next generation of AirPods in the second half of 2024. That deadline, however, could be pushed back to 2025. No significant changes to the AirPods lineup are expected until then.

It was also recently reported that Apple is working on its forthcoming AR/VR headset, which could be revealed in the following months.

What are the best wireless and wired earphones you can buy in India? We discuss this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design / Comfort
Audio Quality
Battery Life
Value For Money

Good
Comfortable fit, good controls
MagSafe wireless charging
Works well with iOS, Siri, and Apple Music
Good battery life
Very good sound quality and performance on calls

Bad
Expensive
Lack of noise isolation can be bothersome
Full feature set needs an iOS device to use

Read detailed Apple AirPods (3rd generation) True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones review

Colour White

Headphone Type In-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity True Wireless Stereo (TWS)

Type Earphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design / Comfort
Audio Quality
Battery Life
Value For Money

Good
Classic design with improved controls
Comfortable fit
State-of-the-art charging case
Very good battery life
Flexible, eager sound quality
Excellent ANC and transparency modes

Bad
Some features only work on Apple devices
Somewhat expensive

Read detailed Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones review

Colour White

Headphone Type In-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity True Wireless Stereo (TWS)

Type Earphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design / Comfort
Audio Quality
Battery Life
Value For Money

Good
Beautiful, comfortable, and luxurious 
Best-in-class controls 
Seamless connectivity with Apple devices 
Very good ANC and Transparency modes 
Wide, spacious soundstage 
Excellent, flexible sound

Bad
No power button, unpredictable power consumption  
Below-par battery life 
Smart Case is a bit silly 
Lightning charging port 
No ANC level adjustment

Read detailed Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones review

Headphone Type Over-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity Wireless

Type Headphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

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Further reading: AirPods Max, AirPods Lite, Apple

Sucharita Ganguly

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Sucharita is a writer with Gadgets 360 and is mostly found playing with her cat in her free time. She has previously worked at breaking news desks across organizations. Powered by coffee, The Beatles, Bowie, and her newfound love for BTS, she aims to work towards contributing to a better media environment for women and queer folk. More