Rumor: Apple developing 'AirPods Pro Lite' headphone model
A report outlining Apple's supply chain operations amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak mentions the company is working on a new headphone product called "AirPod[s] Pro Lite," a potential low-cost version of AirPods Pro or a next-generation AirPods.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, DigiTimes reports Apple is mulling a diversification in its production capabilities that would shift orders of a so-called "AirPods Pro Lite" device, along with expected next-generation versions of iPad, Apple Watch and iMac, from partners in China to those in Taiwan as the company deals with fallout from the new coronavirus.
The ongoing threat has "raised risks of raw materials supply shortages and shipments disruptions arising from uncertain resumption of normal operations at components suppliers and assembly plants in China," the paywalled report says, according to MacRumors.
What, exactly, DigiTimes is referring to in its mention of "AirPod[s] Pro Lite" is unknown, though it seems unlikely that Apple is planning a low-cost version of its latest wireless headphone product. Released in October, AirPods Pro sell for $249. That price is $90 more expensive than the second-generation AirPods that debuted last March and just $50 more than the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case bundle.
Apple could be preparing a new version of AirPods, which does not implement high-end AirPods Pro features like active noise cancelling and adaptive equalization. Comments from CEO Tim Cook in October suggest the company views AirPods Pro as a distinct product line and not a successor to AirPods, perhaps leaving the door open for future iterations of the original wireless device.
"We're anxious to see the customers for the new AirPod[s] Pro," Cook said, addressing a question regarding AirPods Pro sales. "I would guess that one, particularly in the early going, will be people that have AirPods today and want to also have a pair for the times they need noise cancellation."
In addition to AirPods and AirPods Pro, Apple is said to be working on a high-end over-the-ear headset that could debut in 2020, though rumblings about the supposed halo product date back two years.
It should be noted that while DigiTimes delivers somewhat accurate data on certain aspects of Apple's supply chain, it is largely unsuccessful in forecasting future products.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, DigiTimes reports Apple is mulling a diversification in its production capabilities that would shift orders of a so-called "AirPods Pro Lite" device, along with expected next-generation versions of iPad, Apple Watch and iMac, from partners in China to those in Taiwan as the company deals with fallout from the new coronavirus.
The ongoing threat has "raised risks of raw materials supply shortages and shipments disruptions arising from uncertain resumption of normal operations at components suppliers and assembly plants in China," the paywalled report says, according to MacRumors.
What, exactly, DigiTimes is referring to in its mention of "AirPod[s] Pro Lite" is unknown, though it seems unlikely that Apple is planning a low-cost version of its latest wireless headphone product. Released in October, AirPods Pro sell for $249. That price is $90 more expensive than the second-generation AirPods that debuted last March and just $50 more than the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case bundle.
Apple could be preparing a new version of AirPods, which does not implement high-end AirPods Pro features like active noise cancelling and adaptive equalization. Comments from CEO Tim Cook in October suggest the company views AirPods Pro as a distinct product line and not a successor to AirPods, perhaps leaving the door open for future iterations of the original wireless device.
"We're anxious to see the customers for the new AirPod[s] Pro," Cook said, addressing a question regarding AirPods Pro sales. "I would guess that one, particularly in the early going, will be people that have AirPods today and want to also have a pair for the times they need noise cancellation."
In addition to AirPods and AirPods Pro, Apple is said to be working on a high-end over-the-ear headset that could debut in 2020, though rumblings about the supposed halo product date back two years.
It should be noted that while DigiTimes delivers somewhat accurate data on certain aspects of Apple's supply chain, it is largely unsuccessful in forecasting future products.
Comments
I have never even tried the regular AirPods, so I am looking forward to getting the Pros.
As far as digitimes is concerned, they can go suck on a banana. I remember so many of their so-called reports and predictions throughout the years. What a bunch of clowns.
A minimal case able to charge the AirPods from my phone would be ideal to me.
And I don’t have time either for headlines that contain the words “may” or “ might”.
The Apple way, as a recall, is to move the old product down in price as you introduce the new flashier model at the old price point.
Enjoy!
If the Pro models are in-ear with noise cancelation, Transparency Mode (which the other AirPods don't have) then the Lite version would probably be smaller and lighter, possibly with a much smaller case, and likely offer less overall battery life as a trade-off (which is something I'd very much like since I don't use my wireless headphones for long enough as is).
Or, maybe they're using the Pro moniker to refer to in-ear phones in general so they're going to make a Lite version in reference to being a reduced feature set at a lower price-point, which also makes complete sense.
Firmware update 2C54 affected the ANC and was quickly pulled by Apple. It got on to some users Airpods back on 12/16 before being pulled and replaced with the previous 2B588 firmware. I received mine on Christmas day and was on 2B588 out of the box. In between that time I exchanged the original pair I had for another issue I was having and the new set is still on firmware 2B588. I don't believe ANC performance is an issue on this firmware..
I remember the reports back then and also just remembered to check my own firmware to see if Apple would roll-back to the older one - Nope... I'm still on 2C54. The relaxing of ANC was noticeable at the time but I kind of forgot about it tbh as it’s still pretty good! Looking forward to it going back to full-strength, though.