Apple aficionados and audiophiles, brace yourselves! Insider information from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals that Apple intends to carve clearer distinctions within its AirPods lineup as it prepares for future launches. With third-gen AirPods witnessing lukewarm sales, largely due to consumers gravitating towards the more affordable second-gen version, Apple aims to mitigate such market dynamics in the future.
Here’s the juicy bit: come 2024, Apple envisions a simultaneous launch of two distinct fourth-generation AirPods. While both will be priced below the premium AirPods Pro, their design will incorporate elements from both the third-generation AirPods and the Pro version, presenting a streamlined aesthetic with short stems.
However, the disparity lies in the features. The superior variant among the duo will inherit traits from the AirPods Pro, such as noise cancellation capabilities and speakers integrated within the charging case, enhancing the Find My function. Yet, in an intriguing twist, neither of the upcoming models is expected to sport replaceable silicone ear tips. This implies that they’ll retain the signature open-air design, distinctive to standard AirPods. Hence, for top-notch noise cancellation and sound quality, the AirPods Pro remains in its unique echelon.
Apple’s strategic product differentiation is a classic move to cater to diverse consumer preferences while ensuring each product tier has a clear market proposition. Marketers should watch this space as Apple’s nuanced approach to product segmentation is bound to influence consumer purchasing decisions.
