We've already heard that Apple may release two more sets of AirPods later this year. However, according to a new rumor, they may not be quite what we were expecting. In fact, analyst Jeff Pu (via MacRumors) claims that a lower-priced AirPods may be released along with AirPods Max 2 later this year.

Previous Bloomberg rumors had suggested that low and mid-priced AirPods would likely launch later this year. We thought it would come in the form of AirPods Lite and AirPods 4. However, Pu's claims suggest that may not be the case after all.

In a new research note from Haitong International Securities, Pu claims that Foxconn will supply cheaper AirPods. Assembly will apparently "ramp up" in the fourth quarter of this year. Pu, on the other hand, claims that the AirPods Max 2 will be released by the end of the year; it is not clear if this means that the AirPods Lite will also be released in Q4 2024.

However, given the popularity of the AirPods, it makes sense that Apple would want to ensure the latest model is released before the holiday season. In fact, Black Friday 2024 tends to be the most discounted day for AirPods models, so it would be wise to get the announcement out before then.

There is obviously a bit of a discrepancy between the two rumors, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claiming that the two pairs of AirPods earphones will come with more features, including an enhanced design, USB-C, charging, and improved sound. The mid-range AirPods 4 will also feature speakers for active noise cancellation and Find My device tracking.

Meanwhile, Garman previously claimed that the upcoming AirPods Max will have minimal changes. It's not about major internal upgrades, but about the addition of USB-C charging and some new colors. Frankly, it's not a release that deserves much fuss.

We expect Apple to release the USB-C AirPods Max as a replacement for the Lightning port-equipped model, as they did with the USB-C AirPods Pro 2. Meanwhile, the AirPods Lite and AirPods 4, if they are indeed coming, could be released together in a more ceremonial manner.

Gurman claims that these two sets of earphones will be released in September or October, suggesting that they could be released at the same time as the iPhone 16. But in any case, we will have to wait and see what Apple actually has planned.