Apple is reportedly rumoured to be working on a new version of ‘AirPods Pro Lite’ with its supply chain partners in Taiwan, according to a report by Taiwanese tech site DigiTimes (via MacRumors).
The name ‘AirPods Pro Lite’ was mentioned in a report about Apple looking to move production of some of its products to assembly lines in Taiwan instead of China to geographically diversify Apple’s supply chain amid the ongoing coronavirus epidemic that has significantly impacted production in China.
Apparently, Apple is working with Taiwanese partners to develop upcoming new products, including the AirPods Pro Lite.
“Apple is mulling shifting more assembly orders for its new models slated for launch in the first half of 2020 to factories in Taiwan mainly to diversify production risks associated with the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, according to industry sources.
“Apple, maintaining partnerships with supply chains in both Taiwan and China, may have its Taiwanese partners handle more production of new-generation iPad, Apple Watch, AirPod Pro Lite, and iMac devices to be released later, as the epidemic has raised risks of raw materials supply shortages and shipments disruptions arising from uncertain resumption of normal operations at components suppliers and assembly plants in China,” the report states.
As the name suggests, ‘AirPods Pro Lite’ could be a lighter and less feature-filled version of the AirPods Pro. Unfortunately, DigiTimes doesn’t say what an AirPods Pro Lite would consist of, in terms of the features or price.
In retrospect, Apple had launched the AirPods Pro in October 2019 and the second-generation AirPods in March 2019. With AirPods Pro and the wireless charging case version of the second-generation AirPods just $50 apart, it’s unclear why Apple would manufacture a Lite version of its headphones for a lower price.
DigiTimes has a mixed track record when it comes to Apple’s rumours, so we suggest taking this information with a grain of salt and officially wait for Apple to make an announcement.
