Emily Martin 
Mar 20, 2024
Since Apple AirPods series has not seen the addition of any iteration for over a year, a spate of rumours suggest that the Cuperino-based tech giant is in the concluding stage of the development of AirPods 4.
The gadget seems to be a big hit once out in the open, with this year expected to witness a potential, full-fledged release and hand the least recognised AirPods lineup some reputataion.
The iPhone maker currently has five different variants in the AirPods lineup.
Read more: iPhone 17 rumoured to feature cutting-edge display with anti-reflective upgrade
Apple's existing AirPods lineup
- AirPods (2nd generation) – $129
- AirPods (3rd generation) – $169 (with Lightning Charging Case) or $179 (with MagSafe Charging Case)
- AirPods Pro (2nd generation) – $249
- AirPods Max – $549
AirPods 4 releasing soon this year
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has extensively reported on Apple’s plans to launch AirPods (4th generation) in 2024. Gurman states that Apple will phase out AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 this year, and introduce two distinct variants of AirPods 4.
AirPods 4 design
The AirPods 4 models are said to have a design that is a combination of AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, with a little shorter stems. Neither of the AirPods 4 versions will have interchangeable tips like AirPods Pro, but they will feature a better fit.
AirPods 4 features
As per 9to5Mac, Apple intends to differentiate the two AirPods 4 models in several ways, speaking of the features. The higher-end AirPods 4 will offer noise cancellation, while the lower-end model will not.
Both versions of AirPods 4 will come with a new charging case that uses USB-C for charging. The charging case included with the higher-end AirPods 4 will also have built-in speakers for improved Find My integration. The report states that the new AirPods 4 models are expected to be released later in 2024. Typically, Apple has launched new AirPods around the same time as new iPhones in September.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also mentioned that Apple is developing a budget-friendly version of AirPods that will be launched in 2024. Kuo has suggested that the so-called "AirPods Lite" could be priced at $99. Analyst Jeff Pu has also indicated that AirPods Lite are in development.
It is unclear whether Kuo and Pu are referring to the same lower-end version of AirPods 4, or if it is an entirely different product.
