Apple could unveil two new AirPods variants alongside the iPhone 16 line next month

Gurman says that Apple might introduce two different versions of the fourth-generation AirPods with a cheaper variant providing users with basic capabilities, The more expensive model would include active noise cancellation (ANC). The lower-priced model would be expected to replace the second-generation AirPods in Apple’s lineup. That model, launched in 2019, is priced at $129 in Apple’s online store. The higher-priced model with ANC would take over for the third-generation AirPods. The latter was released in 2021 and is priced at $179.

Both models will look the same, according to Gurman, who adds that the third-generation AirPods Pro will be coming at a later date. If Gurman’s report turns out to be true, the higher-priced fourth-generation AirPods will be the first non-Pro version of the earbuds to offer ANC. Currently, consumers seeking AirPods with the ANC feature have to purchase the second-generation AirPods Pro, priced at $249.

The third-generation AirPods could be replaced as soon as next month. | Image credit-Apple

Apple’s plans most likely call for the second-generation AirPods to be permanently removed from the company’s lineup; the third-generation model could remain but at a greatly reduced price. According to analytical firm Canalys, during the first quarter of this year, the AirPods still led the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) market with a 24% share. That gave Apple a resounding 16 percentage point lead over the 8% share owned by both Samsung and Xiaomi.