They are introducing the highly anticipated AirPods Lite – the budget-friendly iteration poised to shake up Apple’s renowned AirPods lineup. Set to potentially disrupt the market with its speculated USD 99 price tag, this sleek offering generates immense buzz among tech enthusiasts and analysts. While details on features and design remain elusive, industry insiders predict a strategic move by Apple to capture a broader audience, catering to those seeking an affordable wireless earbud solution without compromising on quality. Join us as we delve into the rumours and insights surrounding the AirPods Lite, exploring its potential impact on the wireless earbud landscape.

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Price and Release

The most significant buzz surrounds the price tag. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu predict a budget-friendly option priced at USD 99, which would significantly depart from Apple’s current AirPods lineup, which starts at USD 129. The release is expected sometime in the second half of 2024.

Features

Details about features are scarce. It likely won’t have all the bells and whistles of the higher-end AirPods models. Here’s what we might be missing:

While details on features are scarce, analysts predict the AirPods Lite will target a budget-conscious audience with a lower price point than existing AirPods models, which likely means sacrificing some premium features. 

Noise cancellation, a technology that actively reduces background noise, and Spatial Audio, which creates an immersive listening experience, are unlikely to be included in the Lite version. 

Additionally, the charging case might rely on a traditional Lightning cable instead of supporting the convenience of wireless charging.

Rumours suggest Apple will stick with its signature white colour and stem design for the AirPods Lite. However, to achieve the lower price point, the overall build quality might be less premium than the existing AirPods models, and this could be reflected in material choices or a slightly different feel.

Read also: Apple to enable hearing aids in AirPods Pro

The target audience for the AirPods Lite seems clear. Apple will likely attract those on a budget considering non-Apple wireless earbuds. 

However, it’s important to remember that Apple has yet to confirm the existence of AirPods Lite officially. While the information comes from reliable analysts, plans could always change before release.

Overall, the AirPods Lite could be a game-changer if it delivers a decent wireless earbud experience at a much lower price. But still, we’ll have to wait for an official announcement or leaks with more details on features and design to get a clearer picture.