Apple could include free AirPods with next year’s iPhone 12, according to report
Apple may include a free pair of AirPods in the box with next year’s iPhone 12, according to a new report by Taiwanese publication DigiTimes who cite unnamed industry sources.
The report claims “smartphone vendors including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi are looking to bundle their new models with TWS (truly wireless stereo) earbuds next year,” suggesting Apple will trade the wired EarPods in favour of its entry-level $159 wireless AirPods.
We recommend taking this article with a pinch of salt. AirPods are a huge seller for Apple – the company is forecast to sell 60 million units this year alone – so considering their popularity it seems unlikely Apple will want to cut its triumphant sales numbers by giving the headphones away for free.
On the other hand, Apple may decide it’s time to continue its push for a truly wireless future, as it promised when AirPower was unveiled in 2017. If the plans were to go-ahead, AirPods would likely only be bundled with the premium iPhone 12 Pro line, offering the higher paying iPhone customers more bang for their buck whereas the low-cost iPhone 12 (replacing the iPhone 11) would likely continue to come packaged with the regular EarPods.
What do you think – would you like to see AirPods come packaged with the iPhone 12 Pro? Let us know in the comments below.