Apple to change design of regular AirPods to match AirPods Pro
Apple’s next-generation AirPods will feature the same design as the AirPods Pro, according to a report from Taiwanese publication DigiTimes.
Citing supply chain sources, the report claims the new AirPods were originally scheduled to launch in May 2020, but the launch may now be postponed until the second half of 2020 or even 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak limiting the ability for engineers to fly to visit production lines in Asia.
Unlike regular AirPods, AirPods Pro feature changeable ear-tips and a shorter design, as well as sweat and water resistants. It’s likely the new entry-level AirPods will gain the above, with the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode found on the AirPods Pro being the differentiator between the two.
Apple may have to defer the launch of its new AirPods Pro to the second half of 2020 or even 2021, according to sources at related suppliers. – Apple originally planned to unveil the new AirPods Pro in May 2020, but the schedule may be pushed back, as Apple has been unable to send staff to the production lines in Asia to inspect the status of the TWS earbuds due to the coronavirus outbreak, the sources noted. – But Apple so far has not yet made any adjustments to the earbuds’ release schedule, the sources said.
Last week, leaker Jon Prosser claimed Apple had new “AirPods Pro Lite” ready to launch alongside an updated MacBook Pro as soon as next month.