AirPods SE for Rs. 8000? Apple to launch it possibly with iPhone 16

Apple AirPods SE rumoured to be in the works that could cost Rs. 8000 in global markets. All details here.

Apple is rumoured to be working on a cheaper AirPods SE model that could cost $99. (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

Apple AirPods for just Rs. 8000? Seems surprising, right? No, that's not a special deal to avail on the old 2nd Gen AirPods. Apple is looking to enter the affordable TWS earbuds segment where almost all other manufacturers are doing something and reaping the benefits. Apple has played in the premium space for a long time and now, it wants to dip its toes in the affordable TWS space. Rumours suggest we could see an Apple AirPods SE in late 2024, or early 2025.

The tip comes from renowned Apple leak specialist Ming-Chi Kuo, who says that Apple is working on two new AirPods versions. One of them is the highly affordable AirPods SE that is expected to launch with a price tag of $99, which could sit under Rs. 10000 in India. The second model is the next-gen AirPods Max, which will succeed the over-the-head wireless headphone from a few years ago.

New AirPods coming in 2024/2025

“The next-generation AirPods will likely begin mass shipments in 2H24 or 1H25, including more affordable AirPods (with Apple targeting a price of $99) and new AirPods Max, which will be assembled by Luxshare ICT and Hon Teng,” says Kuo.

Not much is known about these AirPods models but it is expected that the cheaper AirPods SE could rely on parts from Apple's existing parts bin. There is a large chance that the AirPods SE could use the H2 chip from the AirPods Pro 2 and retain the body of the AirPods 2nd Gen. The lower pricing means these AirPods would give premium features such as Spatial Audio and active noise cancellation a miss. The battery life could also be lower than the higher-end models.

That said, the rumoured AirPods SE isn't coming anytime soon and Apple is yet to announce anything on this front. Until then, the cheapest AirPods you can buy is the AirPods 2nd Gen, which will set you back by Rs. 13000. In 2022, Apple also announced the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with several upgrades across the board. The new AirPods Pro uses the H2 chip for better noise cancellation as well as sound processing. Additionally, the case gets support for Find My with its own beacon speaker, and charges via the Apple Watch magnetic charging puck.