Apple plans to release lower-cost AirPods later this year, according to Jeff Poe, an analyst who covers companies within Apple's supply chain.

AirPods 3 orange
In a research note today with investment firm Haitong International Securities, Bo said a Foxconn affiliate would be one of the low-cost AirPods suppliers. Foxconn will ramp up AirPods assembly at a factory in India in the fourth quarter of 2024, Bo said.

BloombergApple is planning to release two fourth-generation AirPods models in September or October, including entry-level and mid-level models, Apple's Mark Gurman previously said. He said both models will feature a new design with a better fit, improved sound quality and an updated charging case with a USB-C port, while the mid-range model will also feature active noise cancellation and a speaker for location tracking. It's not clear if the lower-priced AirPods and fourth-generation AirPods are the same product, but it seems plausible.

Pu also expects the updated AirPods Max to be released in the fourth quarter of 2024. Gurman previously said that a USB-C charging port will be the only new feature for the over-ear headphones, and new color options are also possible.

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