Gurman: AirPods 4 Still Launching This Year in Two Variants

[broodj3ham]

As much as I like them I will never buy them again until the batteries can be replaced. Sticking with my old ones that only last 10-15 minutes now or wired.

Feeling the same... would love Apple to do something like the fairbuds, which have replaceable batteries.

 

[System603]

In 2024, just release one sku of normal AirPods...This multi-sku (which is really upselling) makes the brand feel less appealing.

AirPods already have multiple tiers (regular, pro, Max). Simple is better!

Agreed. Plus the image in consumers' head of "any model of AirPods = noise cancelling" would not hurt their brand v. brand selection process either.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

In 2024, just release one sku of normal AirPods...This multi-sku (which is really upselling) makes the brand feel less appealing.

AirPods already have multiple tiers (regular, pro, Max). Simple is better!

Under your plan, AirPods would start at almost $200.
With the multiple different SKUs, they actually start closer to $100, even better.
When people just come here and say “ Apple needs to start killing Skews” they’re basically saying “ get rid of the cheap ones that probably sell in the highest numbers”.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I think the AirPods 4 will likely include an IEM version. Think Beats Studio Buds+ but with H2/U1 hardware, Spatial Audio and a simplified ANC.

 

[turbineseaplane]

along with an updated fit

I'm nervous....

Please don't nuke a base model, non ANC, non "tip in your ear" model

These are essential daily drivers for me (AP1/AP2) for walks and the gym and around the house where nothing beats the "natural" transparency mode of simply being able to hear some ambient noise of the nearby environment

 

[FSMBP]

Under your plan, AirPods would start at almost $200.
With the multiple different SKUs, they actually start closer to $100, even better.
When people just come here and say “ Apple needs to start killing Skews” they’re basically saying “ get rid of the cheap ones that probably sell in the highest numbers”.

No...they could scale production by just building one sku (thus saving Apple money and allowing them to offer a lower price). Meet the price in the middle with $129 AirPods that have ANC.

AirPods have been out for almost a decade...they are definitely profitable now and should allow them to offer new features without jacking-up prices or creating new sub-tiers.

Then again, I value longterm experience vs. short-term P&L numbers.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Under your plan, AirPods would start at almost $200.
With the multiple different SKUs, they actually start closer to $100, even better.
When people just come here and say “ Apple needs to start killing Skews” they’re basically saying “ get rid of the cheap ones that probably sell in the highest numbers”.

Agreed

AirPods are one of the few lineups where I want as many SKUs as Tim cares to make

We all have different usage patterns and feature needs and ear shapes and sizes

The more the better

 

[sw1tcher]

Apple still plans to refresh its entry-level and mid-tier AirPods later this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Both models will feature a redesigned look, including a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, shorter stems similar to the AirPods Pro, along with an updated fit and enhanced audio quality.

The higher-end version is expected to include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), making ANC available at a lower price point for the first time and no longer exclusive to AirPods Pro.

Gurman said Apple intends to launch a third-generation AirPods Pro "later,"...

In 2024, just release one sku of normal AirPods...This multi-sku (which is really upselling) makes the brand feel less appealing.

AirPods already have multiple tiers (regular, pro, Max). Simple is better!

Just as with the iPhone line up, Apple thinks there needs to be 4 models of AirPods -- AirPods (regular), AirPods Plus (the higher-end version with ANC), AirPods Pro, and AirPods (Pro) Max.

 

[mikext]

I know I'm weird but I still prefer the simplicity of the OG AirPods. I still use my 2nd Gen's (though they're struggling a bit). I know the sound isn't as good as the 3rd gen's or Pro's, but the tapping vs pinching, to me at least, is still superior and I wish they had added more flexibility with that.

The OG design still fits my ears the best. I use them much more than my Pros.

 

[thejoshuabradshaw]

may not be a popular opinion, but I like the AP02s with the longer stems. they are just more comfortable to me. I have each version and find that I continue to use these the most.

 

[turbineseaplane]

may not be a popular opinion, but I like the AP02s with the longer stems. they are just more comfortable to me. I have each version and find that I continue to use these the most.

Same

I have 4 sets in rotation

I use them with some silicone covers/wingtips from Amazon and it's a perfect combo.
I really actually love using them with silicone cover/tips as it allows me to wash the covers and keep the APs themselves cleaner

 

[trip1ex]

the 2 variants are pricey and pricier.

 

[shyam09]

Hmm would this be a September release alongside the iPhones and Watches? Or a silent release?

 

[BB1970]

Beats Solo Pro: Dead
AirPods 3: Dead
AirPods Max: Dead

I’m done.

 

[TVreporter]

Apple Multiverse - variants for everyone!

 

[svish]

Expecting to see it next month. Wonder what the price will be of the new AirPods.

 

[Ethosik]

I hope the max get updated. I cannot do earbuds. My ears start hurting after 10 minutes. And I can’t do nearly every alternative to the Max as they all use fake leather that irritates my skin. The ear cushion of the Max is the only thing I have been able to use.