Apple may launch new AirPods at iPhone event in September
Apple’s long-rumored third-generation AirPods are expected to launch before the end of the year, with a new report from DigiTimes suggesting the wireless earbuds may be unveiled alongside the iPhone 13 in September.
According to the report, shipments of flexible PCBs (FPCB) and SiP modules for use in Apple’s next-generation AirPods will be scaled up between late third-quarter and fourth-quarter 2021, with sources claiming the new AirPods “will have a good chance” to be debuted at Apple’s product launch in the second half of the year.
Speculation on when Apple may release an updated version of its AirPods has been growing over the past several months when leaks claimed to offer a look at the earbuds and their new AirPods Pro-style redesign, which is expected to see Apple adopt an overall smaller shape and shrunken stem.
Reports have claimed that the new AirPods will feature the same Apple H1 chip and 5 hours of playback as the current-generation model. Despite the expected similar appearance to the AirPods Pro, the new third-generation AirPods are expected to lack interchangeable ear tips and Active Noise Cancellation.
Apple could decide to push the launch of the new earbuds to a later event this year, such as the rumored October/November launch of the redesigned M1X MacBook Pro and new all-screen iPad mini, but an unveiling alongside the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7 seems more fitting.