Why ‘AirPods SE’ may debut subsequent week as Apple’s new entry mannequin

Apple’s September 9 occasion is sort of right here, and we’re anticipating loads of new product bulletins. These embody the iPhone 16 and 16 Professional, Apple Watch Sequence 10, Extremely 3, and SE, and new AirPods 4 and sure AirPods Max 2. However Apple could have a shock up its sleeve: AirPods SE. Right here’s why the entry-level AirPods 4 might be the primary ever AirPods SE mannequin.

Two totally different AirPods 4 fashions are coming

When Apple unveils its next-generation AirPods 4 subsequent week, studies point out there can be not one, however two new fashions.

Each new AirPods fashions will look the identical, with a brand new design that appears like a cross between AirPods 3 and AirPods Professional.

The place they’ll be totally different, nonetheless, is in options and worth factors.

The upper-tier AirPods 4 will exchange the present AirPods 3 mannequin. They’re anticipated to function:

• a worth level extra like AirPods 3, within the $179 vary
• lively noise cancellation and transparency mode, like AirPods Professional have
• a MagSafe wi-fi charging case geared up with a speaker for Discover My
• probably another AirPods Professional-exclusive options

Apple can be getting ready a lower-tier AirPods mannequin. This entry system is designed to switch AirPods 2, which Apple nonetheless sells. The entry-level mannequin ought to function:

• a price ticket nearer to the present $129 of AirPods 2, or maybe a bit extra
• the fashionable design of its pricier sibling, however with out noise cancellation, transparency mode, or the MagSafe charging case

All rumors up so far have referred to each of those new fashions as ‘AirPods 4.’ And positively that might be Apple’s identify for them.

However I’m satisfied there’s a very good likelihood we’re about to see the primary AirPods SE, as a substitute.

Why AirPods SE makes extra sense as a reputation

Product naming could be exhausting, particularly while you promote two fashions bearing loads of similarities but choose variations.

Apple may name each new fashions AirPods 4. However how would it not differentiate the 2?

Apart from having totally different worth tags, the corporate would want to incorporate some distinguishing options of their product names. In any other case, the common shopper will simply purchase the cheaper mannequin each time. And Apple gained’t need that.

The entry mannequin may simply be ‘AirPods 4,’ however then what in regards to the premium choice?

‘AirPods 4 with lively noise cancellation and MagSafe charging case’?

It positive doesn’t roll off the tongue.

The choice that makes far more sense is to separate the road:

• AirPods SE could be the entry-level mannequin
• AirPods 4 could be the premium mannequin

Finishing the product lineup with AirPods SE

This naming scheme would give Apple a way more clear, differentiated lineup. It could additionally match higher with the corporate’s naming patterns for different merchandise, just like the iPhone and Apple Watch.

• AirPods SE can be the most affordable choice
• AirPods 4 the ‘normal’ mannequin
• AirPods Professional the pricier, extra highly effective mannequin
• AirPods Max the upscale, over-ear choice

Apple consumers perceive that an SE product gained’t be the most effective of the most effective. ‘SE’ sacrifices a number of the newest improvements for the sake of hitting a low worth level. And that’s precisely what the rumors level to for these new AirPods.

What do you consider the AirPods SE identify? Would having two AirPods 4 fashions be complicated? Tell us within the feedback.

AirPods fashions accessible now