Apple Inc. AAPL reportedly plans to phase out its second and third-generation AirPods in 2024, while new fourth-generation models are set to adopt USB-C charging cases.
What Happened: Apple plans to update the regular AirPods in 2024 and introduce a new, more advanced model the following year, Mark Gurman reported, citing people familiar with the development.
Cupertino wants to improve the earbuds, change how the cases look, and improve their sound. Moreover, there could also be a new version of the AirPods Max headphones in 2024.
For the unversed, the second-generation AirPods were first introduced in 2019 and are currently available at $129.
It is the most affordable option out there. In 2021, the tech giant introduced the third-generation AirPods at $169, which sit in the middle tier.
Similarly, for those looking for a premium experience, AirPods Pro are available at $249, which received their latest update earlier this year.
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Product Line Shakeup: According to the report, Apple has been making strategic moves to revamp its AirPods lineup. The second and third-generation AirPods, which have been on the market for some time, are on the chopping block.
According to Gurman, the third-generation AirPods didn’t do as well as Apple hoped.
Many users buy the cheaper second-generation ones, while others go for more expensive models with noise cancellation. The middle option, priced $40 higher than the basic one, didn’t offer enough extra features for consumers to justify the higher cost.
Differentiation and Find My Alerts: Apple’s strategy to replace the older models also involves distinguishing between the two fourth-generation models with similar prices but new upgrades, including having “short stems” – the part that hangs out of a user’s ear.
The low-end models will sport a design that blends elements of the third-generation AirPods and the Pro model; the higher-end version will offer noise cancellation.
The premium model will also come with an upgraded charging case that includes speakers for Find My alerts, making it easier for users to locate their misplaced case.
USB-C Takes Center Stage: The new AirPods models will feature USB-C charging cases, aligning with Apple’s broader effort to transition to this universal standard. This change streamlines Apple’s accessory ecosystem and ensures compliance with the EU’s regulations.
Market Dynamics And Competition: The decision to retire the second and third-generation AirPods comes amidst growing competition in the wireless earbuds market.
Companies like Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Sony, Bose, and Jabra have all introduced their products, increasing competition at various price points.
Why It’s Important: Previously, it was reported that Apple’s announcement regarding its first-generation mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro’s integration with AirPods, has left second-generation AirPods Pro users in a technological quandary.
The newest AirPods Pro comes with a USB-C charging case and can tap into 20-bit, 48 kHz Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency when paired with the Vision Pro, but this feature won’t work with the older AirPods Pro, even though they have the same H2 chip inside.
This has caused existing AirPods Pro users some frustration because they’ll now need to invest in a new pair of $249 AirPods solely to access this capability.
Image Credits – Apple
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