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Kuo: Mass Production on Third-Gen AirPods Starting in First Half of 2021, Design Unchanged But New Internals [Updated]

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Apple is working on third-generation AirPods that will go into mass production during the first half of 2021, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in a note to investors today.

airpodsdesign.jpg

The new AirPods will adopt the System-in-Package used for the AirPods Pro, replacing the rigid-flex PCB+SMT design of the second-generation AirPods. Kuo says that these internal updates will be the biggest change to the third-generation AirPods, suggesting the update will not include design changes and will continue to look like second-generation AirPods.
The third-generation AirPods will go to mass production in the 1H21, and the most significant change of the internal design of this new model is the adoption of SiP to replace the rigid-flex PCB+SMT design of second-generation AirPods. We believe that Apple will pull in this new model because of the declining demand for second-generation AirPods. Luxshare ICT will be the main supplier for this new model.
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Kuo's prediction is somewhat confusing because there have been rumors of an AirPods update coming in 2020, while he suggests no new AirPods are coming until 2021. Leaker Jon Prosser, for example recently said that third-generation AirPods are ready to launch anytime.

There have also been rumors that Apple is working on set of AirPods Pro without Active Noise Cancellation that will feature the AirPods Pro design at a lower price point, but Kuo does not mention these earbuds.

He does, however, say that the market is expecting a new AirPods model in the second half of 2020, but that this is more likely to be a new set of Beats instead of a new set of AirPods, so it's possible all of the "AirPods Pro Lite" rumors are referencing new headphones in the Beats lineup.

As for the AirPods Pro, Kuo says that a new model will go into mass production in the fourth quarter of 2021 to the first quarter of 2022, which suggests no AirPods Pro refresh in 2020 or early 2021. We can expect Apple's high-end over-ear headphones in 2020, though, as Kuo says that these will enter mass production in mid-2020.

Update: Ming-Chi Kuo issued an update to his original report that indicated third-generation AirPods will go into production in the first half of 2021, not the first half of 2020 as first stated.


Article Link: Kuo: Mass Production on Third-Gen AirPods Starting in First Half of 2021, Design Unchanged But New Internals [Updated]
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/04/23/kuo-airpods-third-gen-first-half-2020/
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I wonder if the new design will also include the much higher quality button cell batteries from the Airpods Pro.

I'm glad they didn't change the overall shape of the Airpods, though. I've never been able to use "plug" style earbuds; they either hurt or amplify every single sound in my head. They also don't work well unless they have a perfect seal; I find the original Airpod/earpod design doesn't need a perfect seal to work well. If they discontinued that design I wouldn't be able to use them anymore.
 
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MacRumors said:
Kuo says that these internal updates will be the biggest change to the third-generation AirPods, suggesting the update will not include design changes and will continue to look like second-generation AirPods.
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YESSSSSSSS!

I know I'm in the minority, but I actually prefer original AirPods to the Pros. I like the smaller size, the lack of a bulbous in-ear component, being able to quickly tap them with the back of my hand (verses squeezing, which is harder to do with dirty/occupied hands), the lack of the odd vacuum effect, longer battery life, and that I can comfortably lie on my side in bed and wear them.
 
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Could this "AirPods Pro Lite" be the second generation Powerbeats Pro? Apple recently filed documents with the FCC (FCC ID BCGA2453) on what appears to be the second generation Powerbeats Pro but I haven't seen macrumors reporting on it
 
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Glad I went ahead and ordered AirPods 2nd Gen to replace my 1st Gen last week. The AirPods Pro were just too expensive at this point in time for the ANC and modest upgraded sound to justify the $100 extra, and I’ve read a lot of users concern with fit ( falling out of ears) and comfort.
 
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Great news, I was concerned they might have been discontinued or would suffer in light of the pros. I bought the pros but returned them.

I love the open design of the originals, it lets me use them all day long without being isolated from my surroundings. And no, the pros' transparency mode is not as good as the original airpods open sound.
 
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I hope for a battery improvement. My roughly 2 year old 1st gen AirPods have a huge difference in battery life. One will be at 40%, the other at 9% and in red.

The difference was about 15% at less than 1 year old. When I went to ask Apple about it at the store, they said its within the parameters.

And they were always used as a pair, and always replaced in the charging case as a pair at the same time.
 
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I tried the AirPods Pro and every tip wouldn't stay in my ears so I just got the regular AirPods with the wireless case. They fit me much better. Is this update likely just for better batteries?
 
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zorinlynx said:
I wonder if the new design will also include the much higher quality button cell batteries from the Airpods Pro.

I'm glad they didn't change the overall shape of the Airpods, though. I've never been able to use "plug" style earbuds; they either hurt or amplify every single sound in my head. They also don't work well unless they have a perfect seal; I find the original Airpod/earpod design doesn't need a perfect seal to work well. If they discontinued that design I wouldn't be able to use them anymore.
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I am with you as well, I much prefer the original AirPods design, I am not comfortable wearing those gummy earplugs in the Pro version.

I own the first generation ones and to be honest I find the sound quality perfect, I do not need to spend any more money for "better" sound quality of ANC or Noise Cancellation of any type... I would love better battery life tho, they run out of battery too quick IMO.

rmoliv said:
Just a few days ago you said they’d be released next month!!! Get your facts straight please!!!
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Apple does not offer official roadmaps of product development and releases, these are just rumors, some of them come to happen, others not.

AngerDanger said:
I know I'm in the minority, but I actually prefer original AirPods to the Pros.
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I am glad to see we are not in the minority based on all the comments here. You also laid out very well all the good reasons why someone would prefer the original AirPods. I hope they never discontinue them and just keep improving the battery life.
 
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The most impressive feature to me about the Pros was how loud they over the standard AirPods, but the Comfortability of the regular AirPods superseded the Pros for me. I also appreciated how the regular AirPods rested in my ear, which I found way more comfortable v.s. the ‘in-ear’ fitting with the Pro design.

anyways, this rumor seems entirely believable, which would make sense with an 18 month gap for the next GEN AirPods to launch.
 
Just got the APPs last week since they are now discounted somewhat at many retailers. Got them mainly for the sweat/water resistance (for my outdoor runs) and presumed better sound quality. They do sound slightly better to me (a little more clarity and better bass...but nothing to write home about), and I found I really like the ANC. However, like so many others here, they lose their seal very quickly, and fall out on runs (trying all tip combinations too). Literally had o e fall out and roll into the middle of the street just yesterday! Return, and sticking with my original APs until hopefully these rumored gen 3’s come out. Hoping they also add water resistance to generation 3 of the original design.
 
"The third-generation AirPods will go to mass production in the 1H21, and the most significant change of the internal design of this new model is the adoption of SiP to replace the rigid-flex PCB+SMT design of second-generation AirPods."

Will someone please translate that.
What will that do, for those who don't own the Airpods 1/2 versions?
 
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What a shame. I get some people prefer the ear tip fit of the original, but the long stems look hideous and honestly laughable now compared to the sleek and sexy short stems of the pros.
 
MrMojo1 said:
"The third-generation AirPods will go to mass production in the 1H21, and the most significant change of the internal design of this new model is the adoption of SiP to replace the rigid-flex PCB+SMT design of second-generation AirPods."

Will someone please translate that.
What will that do, for those who don't own the Airpods 1/2 versions?
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A SiP board is a "System In Package", which is just another fancy name for an all-in-one design, as opposed to the PCB+SMT, which is multiple boards connected via ribbon cables.

It means a smaller overall size, which enables a smaller form factor or a larger battery.

If apple doesn't change the external form factor, it means absolutely nothing.
 
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