Apple Delays AirPods, October Launch No Longer Happening

[MacRumors]

When Apple debuted its AirPods in September, the company said the wireless earbuds would launch in late October. Now that it's late October, people have been wondering if a release is imminent, but as it turns out, the AirPods are delayed.

Apple today told TechCrunch that it needs "a little more time" before the AirPods are ready for a public release, without specifying the reason behind the delay.

"The early response to AirPods has been incredible. We don't believe in shipping a product before it's ready, and we need a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers," an Apple spokesperson said to TechCrunch.

Apple did not provide TechCrunch with updated launch information, so it is no longer clear when the AirPods will be available for purchase.

AirPods are Apple's premium headphone solution for the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, which do not include a headphone jack. AirPods, powered by Bluetooth and an Apple-designed W1 chip, are entirely wireless with no cords between them.

They include advanced features like infrared sensors to detect when they're in the ear, beam forming microphones to reduce external noise, and accelerometers to respond to touch gestures.

AirPods have been in the hands of reviewers since September and have garnered largely positive reviews for the fit, the features, the simple setup, and the easy recharging.

Article Link: Apple Delays AirPods, October Launch No Longer Happening

 

[MikeKlump]

Can't say I am surprised. All though I wonder what they could be changing. Everyone who was given the AirPods along with the review unit iPhone 7's seemed to be very impressed by them.

 

[thefredelement]

Oh man, BUT I NEEDED THEM.

 

[Icaras]

Bummed out about the news! I was really looking forward to getting these, but a least my ears won't blow up now

 

[UltimateSyn]

Hope they're improving sound quality!

 

[garirry]

Of course, it'll still cost $159 and you'll still get 5 hours of battery use.

 

[asleep]

They lost one...

 

[Moriarty]

I guess Apple lost them all.

 

[The Game 161]

Ugh

What a disappointment.

 

[Cougarcat]

Tomorrow: "We don't believe in releasing a product until it's ready, so this lovely new MBP that we all know you are desperate to have is coming soon."

 

[kdog0126]

Kinda bummed too...I was waiting on these.

 

[SMIDG3T]

Very annoying but I'm glad they're not releasing a product that isn't up to their standards. (Hopefully they'll add the ability to change volume on the AirPods themselves?)

It thought it was a bit strange that we'd heard nothing at all from the September event up to now.

Perhaps I'll buy a Mac in the meantime!

Hopefully we're talking no more than a month. Could be a few weeks. Please tell us more tomorrow Apple!!

 

[twinlight]

Noooooo. Now I might as well order the 7 plus..

 

[InAustralia]

Hopefully they are going to deal with the criticism of not being able to skip songs by developing some new touch mechanisms to allow this to happen.

 

[unlovbl]

Interpretation: We didn't get enough demand considering we bought a competing product called Beats that just released a similar item.

http://www.beatsbydre.com/earphones/browse-earphones/wireless-earphones/ML8V2.html

 

[DannyT2011]

Could they be implementing volume controls via taps?

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

I will own a pair of these some day. I wasn't one of the ones who were going to purchase on launch day (though I considered it), but I'm hoping they are out in time for Christmas shopping.

 

[oneMadRssn]

My guess is they aren't hitting internal battery-life targets.

 

[ginkobiloba]

"AirPods are Apple's premium headphone solution for the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus"

Maybe premium in price and in wireless connectivity, but certainly not premium in sound quality.

 

[Three141]

Mean while in Apple offices
"Damn it, did you see that Microsoft event! update the Macs NOW!!! screw the Ear pods".

I tease, it will be interesting to see what the adoption rate of these will be; whether they will gain better traction than the initial Apple watch launch. I found it odd they did not release these under beats (I thought that was going to be their default for headphone items).

 

[BobertKennedy]

Airpods are a cruel joke to keep you going back for more.

 

[kissmo]

I actually believe they got high demand. For sure is some supply issue.
Darn. I was more excited about those than for the iPhone 7 Plus... Which I am still waiting for....

 

[thadoggfather]

I hope BEatsX dont get delayed but..

 

[Polaroid]

Please add volume controls/gestures.

 

[v0lume4]

Noooooo. Now I might as well order the 7 plus..

Tim's got you right where he wants.

Just giving you a hard time.