Apple’s Biggest AirPods Lineup Ever Coming Next Year
▼ Summary
– Apple has launched AirPods Pro 3 and is rumored to add another model with built-in cameras next year, expanding its product lineup.
– The company has shifted from a streamlined product strategy to offering many versions of each product, such as multiple iPhone models.
– The rumored AirPods Pro with IR cameras will be a new, higher-end SKU rather than replacing the current AirPods Pro 3.
– By 2026, the AirPods lineup will include five options, catering to different price points and features like AI and ANC.
– Apple’s expansion strategy has been successful, moving away from Steve Jobs’ simplified product grid to meet diverse consumer demands.
Apple is reportedly planning its most extensive AirPods lineup to date for next year, with a new high-end model featuring integrated cameras set to join the family. This expansion continues the company’s recent trend of broadening its product offerings to appeal to a wider range of users and budgets.
Longtime Apple observers will recall an era when the company maintained a tightly focused selection of devices. Over the past ten years, however, its strategy has shifted dramatically. The iPhone serves as a prime example, where customers can now choose from numerous models like the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and the still-available iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. This same approach is now being applied to AirPods.
Industry insiders suggest a new AirPods Pro variant is in development, equipped with infrared cameras. This technology is expected to enable advanced AI and visual intelligence capabilities, setting it apart from standard models. According to sources, this will represent a premium version of the AirPods Pro 3, not a replacement for the recently released model. Apple typically supports its products for multiple years, making a swift discontinuation highly unlikely.
This strategy mirrors the launch of the fourth-generation AirPods, which were offered in two distinct versions: one featuring Active Noise Cancellation and a more affordable option without it. By introducing another model, Apple’s 2026 AirPods selection is projected to include five separate options: the camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 (possibly marketed with an AI emphasis), the standard AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 with ANC, the base AirPods 4, and the AirPods Max.
This expanded lineup demonstrates Apple’s successful formula of catering to diverse consumer preferences and price sensitivities. While some enthusiasts might feel nostalgic for the simplified product grid famously championed by Steve Jobs, the current multi-tier approach has proven enormously successful for both the company and its customers. What are your thoughts on Apple introducing another Pro model to the AirPods family?
(Source: 9to5Mac)
