Apple is rumored to be expanding its popular AirPods lineup with a more affordable option and updates to the AirPods Max, potentially reshaping the wireless headphone market in fall 2024. These developments aim to offer consumers high-quality audio experiences across different price ranges, enhancing Apple’s dominance in the sector.
In a significant move, Apple is reportedly working on a budget-friendly variant of its AirPods, tentatively called AirPods Lite or AirPods SE, priced around $99. This initiative could make Apple’s technology accessible to a broader audience, challenging competitors in the lower end of the market. The exact launch date remains speculative, with some suggesting a release as late as 2024 or 2025.
Furthermore, updates to the AirPods lineup are on the horizon, with the AirPods Max expected to support Apple’s hi-res lossless audio, and a new version of the AirPods Pro might feature a USB-C charging case. This shift to USB-C aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to standardize charging ports across its product range, enhancing user convenience and compatibility with other devices.
Among the anticipated software features, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness stand out. Announced at WWDC 2023, these features aim to improve the listening experience by intelligently adjusting noise cancellation and transparency based on the user’s environment and lowering music volume during conversations.
The AirPods Max update is particularly anticipated to include support for Apple’s hi-res lossless audio, enhancing the audio quality for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Furthermore, Apple’s recent announcements at WWDC 2023 regarding new software features such as Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness indicate significant improvements in user experience. These features, designed to adjust noise cancellation and music volume based on surrounding conditions and detect speech, respectively, are expected to debut with the iOS 17 rollout this fall.
As the fall of 2024 approaches, these rumors highlight Apple’s continuous innovation in the audio space, promising enhancements that could appeal to both audiophiles and budget-conscious consumers alike. However, official confirmation from Apple is pending, leaving room for speculation and anticipation among fans and industry observers.
