Apple Could Ship $99 AirPods by 2024 – CNET [CNET]

The more affordable option could arrive with a new generation of AirPods Max, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says.

A tech analyst predicted cheaper AirPods and a new generation of AirPods Max could ship as early as late 2024 or early 2025. Apple is aiming for a price of $99 for its budget earbuds, Ming-Chi Kuo said on Twitter Wednesday.

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The next-generation AirPods will likely begin mass shipments in 2H24 or 1H25, including more affordable AirPods (with Apple targeting a price of $99) and new AirPods Max, which will be assembled by Luxshare ICT and Hon Teng.

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 12, 2023

That price would beat Apple’s suggested price for its most affordable AirPods (2nd generation) by $30. The 2nd generation AirPods have regularly retailed for $99 from other sellers, like Amazon, in recent months. The current generation of AirPod Max headphones have a suggested retail price of $549.

Apple sells its 3rd generation AirPods for $169 and its 2nd generation AirPods Pro for $249. 

Apple did not respond to request for comment.