Apple plans to release lower-cost AirPods later this year, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst who covers companies within Apple's supply chain. In a research note today with investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu said a Foxconn subsidiary will be one of the suppliers of the lower-cost AirPods. Pu said Foxconn will ramp up AirPods assembly at a factory in
India in the fourth quarter of 2024. Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman previously said that
Apple plans to release two fourth-generation AirPods models in September or October , including entry-level and mid-tier models. He said both models will feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port, while the mid-tier model will also feature active noise cancellation and a speaker for Find My location tracking. It is unclear if the lower-priced AirPods and the entry-level fourth-generation AirPods are the same product, but it seems plausible. Pu also expects 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, along with the possibility of new color options.