Kuo: AirPods With Wireless Charging Case Expected in Early 2019, All-New Model in Early 2020

[MacRumors]

In a brief research note highlighting Apple's suppliers for its popular AirPods wireless earphones, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that new AirPods with a wireless charging case will debut in the first quarter of 2019, with an "all-new design model" following in the first quarter of 2020. The updates are predicted to drive strong sales growth for the product.

We attribute AirPods' dramatic growth (14-16mn, 26-28mn, 50-55mn, 70-80mn and 100-110mn units in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively) to 1) the upgraded model with wireless charging support to benefit shipments to launch in 1Q19, 2) the all-new design model to boost replacement demand to launch in 1Q20, 3) an innovative user experience, and 4) high integration with iOS and Mac products. In summary, AirPods is Apple's most popular accessory ever, and it currently has the best growth momentum among Apple products.

Kuo notes that fewer than 5 percent of iPhone users currently own AirPods, and with over 1 billion iPhone users worldwide, there are "great potential growth opportunities" for the accessory.

Nearly a year ago, Kuo predicted Apple would launch upgraded AirPods in the second half of 2018, but Apple's difficulties in bringing its AirPower charging mat to market have undoubtedly impacted its AirPods plans to some degree. Just ahead of Apple's October media event, Kuo noted he was uncertain about the timing for an AirPods update, indicating it could come late in the fourth quarter or early in the first quarter of 2019.

Article Link: Kuo: AirPods With Wireless Charging Case Expected in Early 2019, All-New Model in Early 2020

 

[jsmith189]

Why not just wait then?

I mean, I know why, but...

 

[NinjaHERO]

Real curious what a new design would look like. Doesn't feel like a lot of room to mess with the current model. Looking forward to something innovative. Come on Apple, blow my ear away. ;-)

 

[Statcoder]

In a brief research note highlighting Apple's suppliers for its popular AirPods wireless earphones, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that new AirPods with a wireless charging case will debut in the first quarter of 2019, with an "all-new design model" following in the first quarter of 2020. The updates are predicted to drive strong sales growth for the product.

Kuo notes that fewer than 5 percent of iPhone users currently own AirPods, and with over 1 billion iPhone users worldwide, there are "great potential growth opportunities" for the accessory.

Nearly a year ago, Kuo predicted Apple would launch upgraded AirPods in the second half of 2018, but Apple's difficulties in bringing its AirPower charging mat to market have undoubtedly impacted its AirPods plans to some degree. Just ahead of Apple's October media event, Kuo noted he was uncertain about the timing for an AirPods update, indicating it could come late in the fourth quarter or early in the first quarter of 2019.

Article Link: Kuo: AirPods With Wireless Charging Case Expected in Early 2019, All-New Model in Early 2020

[doublepost=1543769226][/doublepost]Using "Hey Siri" without tapping the AirPods is usually mentioned as a new feature but don't the original ones do that? Also, 2020 for a completely new design is kind of disappointing because wireless charging isn't really much of an upgrade.

 

[Quu]

Bought two pairs so far. I'm sure I'll buy more, it's really an excellent product simple as that.

 

[chelsel]

Really wish they didn't leak sound as much as they do...

 

[Shiro_Simba]

So when he says new AirPods with wireless case , is that current model with a wireless case ? If a new design comes in 2020.

For what it’s worth, Kuo has become captain obvious - has his run with useful leaks in the past.

 

[Macintosh1984]

So is it tru that the 2019 version only has the wireless charging case or will have new processor, higher audio quality?

I want to buy these AirPods for Christmas, but I would be unfortunate if a new model with higher quality would soon come out.

 

[aguila]

If the new case also features usb c charging, then lightning is officially dying. Hopefully that’s the case and next year’s iPhone follows the latest iPad’s lead.

 

[Joseph C]

New design with a $90 higher price. Just $249.

Existing model stays in lineup as “we want as many customers as possible to enjoy AirPods”. Now just $99.

Obvious Apple will continue their hike strategy, with a new model and higher price.

 

[iLoveDeveloping]

Only 5%? Yes that’s called Price Price Price Price Price. Ridiculously over priced for what you get. I’ll grab these things for under 100 when new ones come out. Bring it on.

 

[AppleHeadPhx]

Sad we have to wait yet another year for the news ones.

I’d like to see different colors offered, give me a space gray pair already.

It would also be cool if they came with the purchase of an iPhone in the box, or at least a big discount if you bought both at the same time.

I wonder if the older generation ones will be discounted?

 

[AngerDanger]

Not going to buy unless they feature a more substantial and streamlined redesign.

 

[philcooper]

Never liked their earphones.
About time they offered a decent in-ear silicone option with lightening jack.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Will the wirelessly charging case also be able to charge via a lightning or usb-c cable? I travel a lot, and don’t want to have to carry around a charging pad with me.

 

[Scooz]

We encourage you to buy Apple Watches for Christmas, not AirPods, Charging Pads or what other cheap accessories you had planned to get away with so far.

 

[GadgetBen]

With the amount of money Apple have sitting in the bank, it’s no wonder their share price is dropping when they are no longer the first to innovate -and- they fail to deliver new products on a regular basis.

These new wireless headphones and Apple’s own wireless charger were expected months ago!

Meanwhile, Belkin are releasing their second wireless charger and I’m still using Belkin’s first wireless charger which is going strong.

 

[I7guy]

This article highlights an issue endemic to purchasing apple’s products. Purchase now or wait until the next great thing.

 

[puckhead193]

wait people actually charge their AirPods?

 

[tromboneaholic]

This is the "OLD VS NEW" graphic MacRumors used in 2017.

 

[Analog Kid]

Great product. Just replaced mine this week because after 2 years of daily use, the batteries finally started to fail.

 

[Baymowe335]

With the amount of money Apple have sitting in the bank, it’s no wonder their share price is dropping when they are no longer the first to innovate -and- they fail to deliver new products on a regular basis.

These new wireless headphones and Apple’s own wireless charger were expected months ago!

Meanwhile, Belkin are releasing their second wireless charger and I’m still using Belkin’s first wireless charger which is going strong.

Stop conflating the release of AirPods and share price.

Apple just put up their biggest year ever, by far.

 

[emulajavi]

Just because they’ll have a case that can charge wirelessly(*), let’s price them at $199, to keep with the 30% price increase just because we update a ‘yearly’ product.

(*) With a wireless charger that is not included, but we can sell you our AirPower for $149, $199 or the price we want.

 

[Tapiture]

I still haven’t bought Airpods and won’t until they come out with black ones.

 

[emulajavi]

New design with a $90 higher price. Just $249.

Existing model stays in lineup as “we want as many customers as possible to enjoy AirPods”. Now just $99.

Obvious Apple will continue their hike strategy, with a new model and higher price.

Two clarifications:

- “Same design of the AirPods, same design of the case. But they case supports wireless charging” —> so higher price, for a feature.

- Now things are kept in the lineup without dropping the price. So previous AirPods stay at $159


Apple has gone crazy with its pricing strategy.