AirPods Might Not Launch Until January 2017

[MacRumors]

Following the confirmation that Apple has delayed its wireless "AirPods" beyond the original late October launch window, foreign supply chain sources are now pointing towards a launch date in January 2017, and not the late 2016 estimation that many believed would help the Bluetooth device sell during the holidays.

The news comes from Chinese-language Economic Daily News (via DigiTimes), which cites market watchers who believe AirPods manufacturing supplier Inventec will see a profit boost in January because of the new launch date for the device.

Apple originally planned to release the AirPods at the end of October, but has postponed release. Inventec is expected to begin shipping AirPods in January 2017, the paper noted.

Because of AirPods orders, Inventec's revenue is expected to grow 7 percent in 2017, to reach around $23.83 billion, while its earnings per share are also estimated to increase by 35 percent. Its Q4 2016 earnings will be mainly in its PC supplier business, which will "stay flat" from the third quarter output of around 4.85 million units shipped.

The connection between Inventec and AirPods first came in a report by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in September. Apple then announced the device during its September 7 iPhone 7 event, where it confirmed the headphones have up to 5 hours of music playback and high-quality sound through a "seamless and automatic connection" between devices, as well as a battery case that includes up to 24 hours of charge.

Article Link: AirPods Might Not Launch Until January 2017

 

[lotzosushi]

Not that I wanted them in the first place, but yikes.

 

[Quu]

This is disappointing as I do actually want these. But I'll wait!

 

[apb87]

I'm assuming they are having an issue with the design. Offering a single size in that form factor seems like it's asking to fall out, unless they release some sort of "accessories" to hold them together.

 

[WiseAJ]

Dang. I've been really excited to buy these.

 

[DocMultimedia]

As far as Apple goes, "All news is bad news."

 

[tylern50]

If this is true, this is a real bummer, was really looking forward to getting a pair.

 

[MadDog31]

Christ, here we go again. I'll check back in 350 comments to make sure the world is still ending.

 

[emm386]

Definetly this years Apple product I am least exited about.

 

[enthusiastic]

Shame. Series 2 and these would have been a great combo for me. Just Series 2 this holiday season then.

 

[Sheza]

Ah, sugar.

The AirPods were the perfect Christmas present in terms of price. Now what am I gonna do?

 

[Sasparilla]

Must have been unexpected issues that popped up with the review units and or initial production units. On to January for those that want them.

 

[Pbrutto]

Buy the new iPhone they said, we will have cool new Bluetooth headphones they said.....

 

[iabacus]

I want these. I don't know why I want these. Apple magic??

 

[Ziggy...]

Definetly this years Apple product I am least exited about.

I think you meant to say next years

 

[iThingsGurl]

I know a few people who were actually waiting to buy them. Unfortunate.

 

[musika]

This would have never happened if the ESC key were still alive.

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

Dang, I was hoping we'd be halfway to the 2nd gen AirPods by January.

 

[NT1440]

I can wait, and I will be buying day one, whenever that is.

I've been waiting for this product for 3 years. I'll scoop them up whenever they come out. Nice little new years present to myself.

 

[iToph]

Harry would say: reddikulus

 

[bLooded]

No one wants them..

 

[Brookzy]

Surely not... these would've been HUGE Christmas gifts.

 

[GamerBoredom]

Ordered with our business account, was told mid-november, yesterday was told UNKNOWN via email. Sigh...

 

[Oblivious.Robot]

Guess we all just have to wait a little longer, but should be worth the wait!

Also, must resist to buy Bragi or others in the meantime..

 

[RoboCop001]

Ah, sugar.

The AirPods were the perfect Christmas present in terms of price. Now what am I gonna do?

I grabbed a JayBird X2. 3 more hours of battery life over the AirPods, decent sound, and physical volume controls. Better deal. Same price, better specs.