New AirPods, AirPods Max now expected in late 2024

An analyst has doubled down on rumors that new AirPods are on the way later in 2024, alongside an update to the AirPods Max.

The rumor mill has claimed that Apple will be bringing out a number of new AirPods, including a pair of low-cost and mid-range models. Now, a note to investors seen by AppleInsider claims that the introduction of the models will be quite late in the year.

The note from Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu advises that a Foxconn-owned company will be a supplier to the low-cost AirPods. Production of the model will apparently increase in the fourth quarter, in a factory in India.

The claim is somewhat in line with other schedule-based rumors, which have put manufacturing starting in May with a release set for September or October. It's plausible that the Pu claim is equally true, as Apple can potentially ramp up production in different factories at different rates depending on expected demand.

So far, rumors for the entry-level and mid-tier AirPods include new designs with an improved fit, USB-C charging cases, and for the mid-tier model, Active Noise Cancellation and Find My speakers in the case.

In the same note, Pu advises that an update to the AirPods Max will be on the way, again released in the fourth quarter. This doesn't really differ from existing rumors about the over-ear premium model, though its scheduling element is fairly close to a generally expected release window to capitalize on holiday sales.

The report's forecasts for releases and scheduling are probably accurate, but Pu doesn't have the best record among leakers and rumor merchants. For example, claims of the iPhone 15 Pro Max shipping in October and with a higher price were incorrect.