The next iteration of Apple’s Airpods leaked through a Target inventory listing last weekend – these are some of the features we want to see. Youtuber Jon Prosser took to Twitter with an image of a Target listing that reads “Apple Airpods (X Generation)” with a price of $399. These leaks come soon after a Digitimes report of a collaboration between Apple and supply chain partners in Taiwan that would lead to the next generation of Apple iPads, iMacs, Apple Watches, and what they listed as an “AirPod Pro Lite.”
Apple released the original AirPods in December of 2016 alongside the iPhone 7. The first generation of AirPods came equipped with microphones in each earpiece and ran on an Apple W1 SoC that optimized battery usage, granting the device a battery life of 5 hours. The AirPods Pro, released in October of last year, features a customizable fit, noise cancellation, and a water-resistant build. Airpods have always been an in-ear device, though the X Generation model could be a set of over-ear headphones, which would be a first for the line.
The report Digitimes put out names a product as an AirPod Pro Lite and nothing else, which means that the model they mention there could be the same one leaked by Target. Though that leak lists the item at a price higher than both the second generation AirPod and the AirPod Pro, which run for $159 and $249, respectively.
What To Expect From the New AirPods Pro Or Pro Lite
AirPods X Generation and AirPods Pro Lite both sound like development names for a new model. Though the former fits the naming scheme with Apple’s other products. The higher pricing also makes more sense that the upcoming release is an entirely new model, as opposed to a cheaper version of the AirPods Pro. The $100 price gap between the two AirPods Models leaves little room for a third model. The primary advantages that the AirPods Pro has are the water resistance and the active noise cancellation, according to Apple’s website.
Given that the AirPods Pro released recently, it’s unlikely that the next model is a direct successor. Instead, the Generation X model is likely the over-ear headphones that have been missing from the line-up since the product’s launch. A set of studio headphones would be a welcomed addition and would make more sense given the listed price. Though, to be worthwhile, the headphones should do everything the earbuds can do, on top of having studio quality.
Source: DigiTimes
