The upgraded AirPods Max and the second-generation AirPods are among the four AirPod models that Apple currently offers. Additionally, despite their widespread popularity, AirPods are not exactly inexpensive. However, the tech giant with its headquarters in Cupertino is said to be working on a new set of earbuds called “AirPods Lite” to compete with cheaper wireless earbuds that are taking away from Apple’s market share.
AirPods are expected to see a decline in demand by the end of 2023, despite their widespread popularity as accessories. In addition, it is anticipated that the number of AirPods shipped will decrease from 73 million in 2022 to 63 million in 2023. The possibility that Apple will not release new AirPods this year and the low demand for the AirPods 3 would both play a role in this.

The “AirPods Lite” are in development at the tech giant. Although it is currently unknown what this product is and what characteristics it will offer, reports describe it as a lower-priced device designed to compete with non-Apple earphones.

After the release of the AirPods 3 in 2021, Apple kept the previous model, the AirPods 2, in stock at a lower price of $129, whereas the AirPods 3 cost $169. It is likely that these “AirPods Lite” will cost less than $129. Apple could also simply reduce the cost of the AirPods of the second generation even further, perhaps to $99.

The second generation of AirPods Pro was released by Apple in 2022 and included significant enhancements such as improved noise cancellation and a new charging case with the U1 chip for Precision Finding. However, neither the standard AirPods, which are in their third generation, nor the more expensive AirPods Max are rumored to be getting an upgrade anytime soon.