AirPods Will Launch Next Week Says European Reseller

[MacRumors]

Last month, Apple delayed the launch of its all-new AirPods beyond the late October timeframe it originally promised, saying it needed "a little more time" before the wireless earphones are ready for customers. Since then, AirPods have remained listed as "currently unavailable" on Apple's website.

Shortly thereafter, a report citing supply chain sources indicated AirPods will not launch until January 2017, suggesting they will not be available in time for this year's holiday shopping season. But that timeline would seem awfully late, especially considering some Apple retail stores have already received AirPods demo units.

Lending credence to a launch sooner rather than later, an employee at Apple reseller Conrad has reportedly told a customer it will receive AirPods stock on November 17, and make them available to purchase by November 18-19. Here is the translated quote from German blog Apfelpage.de:

"Hello, I have just talked with an employee of the Conrad Online Store where I ordered [a pair of] AirPods on October 14 since I wanted to cancel my order today. According to the employee's information they will have them on stock starting November 17 and I will get them delivered between November 18-19."

Conrad's website still says AirPods will be available for delivery in 7 to 8 weeks, so it is entirely possible the employee provided incorrect information, but there now remains at least some hope that customers will be able to purchase AirPods in time for the holidays. Nevertheless, treat the conversation as anecdotal evidence at best.

(Thanks to Julian for the translation!)

Article Link: AirPods Will Launch Next Week Says European Reseller

 

[Fuchal]

I picked up some i.am Buttons in space gray, and I love them. Wish Airpods had been available to try them out, but now I don't care anymore.

 

[decimortis]

Must've found them in between the seat cushions.

 

[AJ5790]

Looks like Apple insider was right again. They ran the story that sources they had at apple were saying "no way it's delayed until January" at the same time the rest of the Apple press was citing January 2017 (without checking?).

 

[Nick11Mac]

Apple's website just says "Coming soon" regarding the Air Pods.

 

[ck2875]

I'm happy to hear something about these finally since I'm wanting to retire the lightning connector EarPods.

I will admit I'm going to buy these without trying them out in an Apple Store since I am not willing to stick earphones in my ear canal that have been in 1000s of other people's ears.

 

[rock6079]

Oh I so hope this is true!!

 

[SMIDG3T]

Please. Please. Please be true.

Next Friday. I called it. I thought they'd be released either tomorrow or next Friday. There's no way they'd have us wait until 2017 for these.

 

[Mac 128]

Shortly thereafter, a report citing supply chain sources indicated AirPods will not launch until January 2017, suggesting they would not be available in time for this year's holiday shopping season. But that timeline would seem awfully late, especially considering some Apple retail stores have already received AirPods demo units.

What a strange thing to say. Based on what? We have no idea what the problem is to make such a statement. The original availability date was Late October, so I could say the same thing about that -- it seems awfully late considering the iPhone 7 became available mid-September.

 

[justiny]

I know a lot of people will bash Apple for the delay on these (it is MacRumors forums, after all), but it is better to get these right than to follow the Samsung model and rush these out to store shelves.

Then again, exploding heads does sound intriguing...

 

[SMIDG3T]

What a strange thing to say. Based on what? We have no idea what the problem is to make such a statement. The original availability date was Late October, so I could say the same thing about that -- it seems awfully late considering the iPhone 7 became available mid-September.

It's not strange. Why would they have stock right now if they were going on sale in the new year?

The fact that some stores already have them backs this story up completely.

 

[triton100]

I picked up some i.am Buttons in space gray, and I love them. Wish Airpods had been available to try them out, but now I don't care anymore.

They look like big earrings. Would rather the tampon look than the earring look. Even though I think the airpods look fine.

 

[Traverse]

Yes! I'm so excited for these! I just hope they don't "release" to a 2-4 week backorder.

 

[rodgersmc]

It is now November 10th. It's hard for me to believe these will be available by black Friday at this point. Wouldn't they be advertising that fact like crazy?

 

[SMIDG3T]

It is now November 10th. It's hard for me to believe these will be available by black Friday at this point. Wouldn't they be advertising that fact like crazy?

They won't need to advertise them. As soon as someone gets a whiff they're released and it filters out, they'll sell like crazy.

 

[menithings]

Last month, Apple delayed the launch of its all-new AirPods beyond the late October timeframe it originally promised, saying it needed "a little more time" before the wireless earphones are ready for customers. Since then, AirPods have remained listed as "currently unavailable" on Apple's website.

Shortly thereafter, a report citing supply chain sources indicated AirPods will not launch until January 2017, suggesting they will not be available in time for this year's holiday shopping season. But that timeline would seem awfully late, especially considering some Apple retail stores have already received AirPods demo units.

Lending credence to a launch sooner rather than later, an employee at Apple reseller Conrad has reportedly told a customer it will receive AirPods stock on November 17, and make them available to purchase by November 18-19. Here is the loosely translated quote from German blog Apfelpage.de:Conrad's website still says AirPods will be available for delivery in 7 to 8 weeks, so it is entirely possible the employee provided incorrect information, but there now remains at least some hope that customers will be able to purchase AirPods in time for the holidays. Nevertheless, treat the conversation as anecdotal evidence at best.

Article Link: AirPods Will Launch Next Week Says European Reseller

Apple's website just says "Coming soon" regarding the Air Pods.[/QUOTE

Apple's website just says "Coming soon" regarding the Air Pods.

And it will continue to say so until Apple decides to officially announce the date.

 

[Traverse]

Demo AirPods? You mean, where anyone can try them on?

 

[Nick11Mac]

Hope they have them ready for sale soon.

 

[SMIDG3T]

I know a lot of people will bash Apple for the delay on these (it is MacRumors forums, after all), but it is better to get these right than to follow the Samsung model and rush these out to store shelves.

Then again, exploding heads does sound intriguing...

That's what this is all about. They've been delayed and fixed the issues...

 

[Swazaloo]

Looking forward to these!

 

[shk718]

these are gonna sell out fast!

 

[Bacillus]

I walked around with 2 Oral-B toothbrushes hanging out of my ears, to find out the feedback.
Hence I decided this isn't for me.

 

[Berti10]

I'm from germany and I know Conrad Electronics very well. As in the past they often claim, that the unavailable products and even unreleased products will be available in a specific timeframe. I often ordered products there and got told later by employees, that the products aren't available within the claimed timeframe. These statements are based on the experience Conrad made in the past with this supplier (here Apple). This is definitely not a reliable source as this statement isn't specific to this item.

 

[C64]

I've been refreshing the store page multiple times a day for the last few weeks. Can't wait!

 

[jazz1]

I walked around with 2 Oral-B toothbrushes hanging out of my ears, to find out the feedback.
Hence I decided this isn't for me.

But fluoride does improve the bass