It’s still only a rumor, but Apple would consider making its wireless headphones more accessible. According to analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong Intl Tech Research, reported by 9to5Mac, Apple is currently developing new AirPods at a more modest price, so as not to let the competition dominate the market for entry-level wireless headphones.
The analyst also claims, thanks to his industry sources, that demand for AirPods is expected to fall in 2023. According to him, shipments are expected to drop from 73 million units in 2022 to 63 million in 2023. A drop that will could be linked to lower demand, but also to the fact that Apple will not offer new models of AirPods this year. These “AirPods Lite” could therefore cost less than the AirPods 2, which start at €159 in France. As for the possible launch date of this model, we would have to wait at least until 2024.
The source does not yet have information on the technical characteristics to expect from these headphones true-wireless. But many manufacturers offer models at more aggressive prices than that of the AirPods 2. Some even have premium features, such as the active noise reduction found on the ears (1) of Nothing or the Freebuds of Huawei. So let’s hope that Apple will take the same direction without compromising too much on quality.