Apple Preparing 'AirPods Pro Lite'... Launching in the Second Half of This Year

"Affordable AirPods Pro with Noise Cancelling Feature in Preparation"
Apple Strives to Expedite Production Schedule by Securing Additional Supply Chains
Second Quarter Production Plan Delayed, Release Likely in Latter Half of the Year

AirPods Pro

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] There is a forecast that Apple will release a new model called 'AirPods Pro Lite' in the second half of this year. It is expected to be a more affordable product than the AirPods Pro, possibly offering noise-canceling functionality.

On the 21st (local time), according to Taiwan's DigiTimes and others, Apple has added USI, a subsidiary of Taiwan's ASE Technology, as a supplier for the AirPods Pro Lite model. Currently, companies providing backend services for AirPods Pro include Amkor, China's JCET, and Japan's Murata Manufacturing.

The AirPods Pro Lite is expected to be a cheaper version of the AirPods Pro, featuring the same design and including the key feature of active noise cancellation. No information has been disclosed about any additional features for consumers. There is also a possibility that it might be the 'AirPods 3rd generation' rather than AirPods Pro Lite. Some have pointed out that attaching the name 'Lite' to the high-end AirPods Pro model is somewhat contradictory.

Apple-focused IT media outlet AppleInsider added, "One should consider DigiTimes' notorious track record regarding Apple's product specifications, naming, and release timing."

Recently, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Apple has experienced disruptions in its overall product manufacturing schedule. The AirPods Pro Lite model was originally planned to begin production in the second quarter, but due to COVID-19 delays, the release schedule has been pushed back, and production is expected to start in the second half of this year. USI is expected to handle the package system orders for the AirPods Pro Lite model.

IT media outlet MacRumors stated, "Adding USI to the supply chain could also help accelerate the product production timeline," and added, "Apple held a strategy meeting with suppliers earlier this week to plan countermeasures due to the impact of COVID-19."