Sketchy Rumor Pegs March 29 as AirPods 2 Release Date

[MacRumors]

Rumors of a spring launch for Apple's next-generation AirPods have been coming in over recent weeks, and today a report is claiming we can expect an AirPods 2 announcement as soon as this month, although at this point we're treating the source with a fair amount of skepticism.

The rumor comes from Spanish blog Applesfera, which suggests Apple plans to replace its current generation AirPods with new models on March 29. The blog cites a source said to be familiar with Apple's plans, and backs up the claim with reference to a screenshot supposedly taken from Apple's stock management software that shows the original AirPods reaching their "end of life cycle" on March 28.

It's unclear if this interpretation of the screenshot is correct, however, as it appears to be listing AirPods as currently out of stock with an estimated replenishment date of March 28, rather than claiming they will be going out of stock on that date.

Earlier this month, another unsubstantiated rumor claimed Apple plans to hold a product event in the second half of March where it will announce second-generation AirPods, the AirPower wireless charging pad, a new affordable iPad and an iPad mini 5.

It would be remiss not to mention the other rumor that appeared the same day. Noted leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks) received separate info, also from an unverified source, suggesting Apple will launch a wireless AirPods Charging Case in the near future, but AirPods 2 won't launch until the fall.

It's not clear which (if any) of these rumors hold weight, but some do fall into the launch timeframe suggested by earlier rumors. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in October that a new version of the AirPods would launch late in the fourth quarter of 2018 or early in the first quarter of 2019, and he later clarified that he expects new wireless AirPods in the first half of 2019.

Listings for New AirPods were also added to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group's regulatory database in November, suggesting a refreshed version of the accessory could be coming soon.

Apple is planning to hold a services-focused event on March 25, making it sound likely that an AirPods announcement won't feature, however Apple could choose instead to announce an update via a press release.

The new AirPods are expected to include wireless charging support and upgraded Bluetooth connectivity, while other unsubstantiated rumors claim the new earbuds could have "health monitoring" features and a special matte coating to enhance grip.

One report has suggested the second-generation AirPods might be more expensive, costing around $200, up from $159. That said, other reports claim the price will remain at $159, so little is verified at this point.

Looking further ahead, Apple is also said to be working on third-generation AirPods that will be released in 2020 with a new design. These third-generation AirPods are rumored to include noise cancellation features and increase the distance that AirPods can be listened to away from an iPhone or iPad.

Article Link: Sketchy Rumor Pegs March 29 as AirPods 2 Release Date

 

[SBlue1]

In Ear AirPods please.

 

[44267547]

Bring em’. My first Gen are still surviving, but I’m ready for whatever version two brings, hopefully in some type of slate/black color as well.

 

[Textime]

They know that people like the AirPods more than the new iPhones. That’s why the price increase.

 

[44267547]

They know that people like the AirPods more than the new iPhones. That’s why the price increase.

Except, it hasn’t been confirmed that there is a price point increase yet, only speculation.

 

[Dezmond]

In Ear AirPods please.

Instant buy if they are. Really easy design choice which will do much for the sound quality.

 

[iZac]

Why have I got a video ad in the middle of the article?

 

[bernoulli]

Bring em’. My first Gen are still surviving, but I’m ready for whatever version two brings, hopefully in some type of slate/black color as well.

The new era of disposable earphones.

 

[BillyBobBongo]

Ah, something good actually going to happen on my birthday. Currently I've got to work and the country that I live in has told me that as of that day I go back to being a 'Johnny Foreigner'. My BeatsX earphones have started to fall apart, not really my wisest investment, so maybe it's time for something else.

That said I'm also looking at picking up a Bass Guitar...decisions decisions.

 

[twinlight]

I’m ready for a upgrade! If they keep the price it’s an instant buy for me. If they up the price significantly but add some nice features and really improve them I’m still in.

My day one AirPods are really well used and right Pod battery have gone down 30%.

I have started running for over 1 hour now and battery lasts maybe 1,5 hour.. need to replace them!

 

[atmc]

There is no evidence in that spanish article that tells that new AirPods will come. It only says that current airpods is predicted to be out of stock on the 28th.

well, I believe that new AirPods are coming. However, this spanish blog post doesn't tell you anything about this. It just talks about stock of the current model and as you know we already had stock outages in the past.

 

[bobob]

In Ear AirPods please.

I prefer the current design for their supreme comfort (I've turned them off and forgotten I'm wearing them on several occasions) and their non-blocking of peripheral noise for safe walking in urban environments. New features would be welcome, but their physical design is already perfect.

However, if Apple decides to design a second model that fit "in ear" for those who prefer it, that would be great for those who need it (though my bet is that they wouldn't use the "AirPods" branding). But it would be a tragic mistake to get rid of the already brilliant design of the first generation of Apple's best product since the iPhone.

 

[keysofanxiety]

The new era of disposable earphones.

As opposed to all the crappy $1 plastic wired disposable earphones that shipped with MP3 players and phones for about two decades?

 

[peterh988]

"Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in October that a new version of the AirPods would launch late in the fourth quarter of 2018 or early in the first quarter of 2019, and he later clarified that he expects new wireless AirPods in the first half of 2019."

Just pulls stuff out of the air. People still fall for it.

Where's my 2018 iMac, Ming?

 

[69Mustang]

In Ear AirPods please.

I've said this since AirPods were intro'd.

Instant buy if they are. Really easy design choice which will do much for the sound quality.

Better sound quality and isolation. If one the rumored upgrades to the 3rd gen AirPods is noise cancellation, they're definitely going to need to be in-ear imo.

 

[DNichter]

Hope so. Love my AirPods, but I’d happily take sound improvements, better noise cancellation for plane rides, and a black color. I’ll just pass my current pair to my pops.

 

[Heineken]

The new era of disposable earphones.

You expect them to last forever?

 

[Ralfi]

I just had mine replaced last October (no charge), so i'm not quite ready to replace these gems of buds, but I can see me failing to resist if v2.0 are a substantial improvement (better audio, matt black)...

 

[Blackstick]

better noise cancellation for plane rides.

Airpods are great but fail spectacularly on airplanes. Grab yourself literally any noise canceling headset on the market and marvel at how loud airplanes are and how refreshed you’ll feel upon landing canceling out the drone. Humans have a fight or flight response to loud sustained noise- since I got my noise canceling headphones I arrive so much more refreshed and unaffected by the flight it’s remarkable. You don’t have to spring for Bose QC35s, there’s great ones for under $100.

 

[Liam555]

In Ear AirPods please.

Please don't. That's the only thing that's stopping me from going with other brands.

 

[recoil80]

I prefer the current design for their supreme comfort (I've turned them off and forgotten I'm wearing them on several occasions) and their non-blocking of peripheral noise for safe walking in urban environments. New features would be welcome, but their physical design is already perfect.

However, if Apple decides to design a second model that fit "in ear" for those who prefer it, that would be great for those who need it (though my bet is that they wouldn't use the "AirPods" branding). But it would be a tragic mistake to get rid of the already brilliant design of the first generation of Apple's best product since the iPhone.

I'd love the in ear design, I know it blocks noise but that's what I'd like them to do. During my commute I take 3 subway lines and it is really too noisy inside the trains, I can barely listen to stuff.
I have to say that current design feels comfortable though, so at the moment I crank up the volume in the train and put it down as soon as I get to a quieter place.

 

[DNichter]

Airpods are great but fail spectacularly on airplanes. Grab yourself literally any noise canceling headset on the market and marvel at how loud airplanes are and how refreshed you’ll feel upon landing canceling out the drone. Humans have a fight or flight response to loud sustained noise- since I got my noise canceling headphones I arrive so much more refreshed and unaffected by the flight it’s remarkable. You don’t have to spring for Bose QC35s, there’s great ones for under $100.

I actually have those Bose ones, but they just stay in my office unused for the most part because of how easy and compact AirPods are. I know I should bring them out, especially for flights, but I haven’t the last couple years.

 

[Don1985]

I hope they keep the competitive price point (not cheap, but certainly good value when compared to the direct competition).

I use mine so much, I’ll justify spending £159 every two years. Easily two hours a day use over 730 days is pretty good value IMO. And this high level of use is thanks to the comfort and ease of use.

I am all in on the AirPod train. It’ll take an awful lot to change to other earphones now.

 

[Sethal]

“One report has suggested the second-generation AirPods might be more expensive, costing around $200, up from $159.”

Article Link: Sketchy Rumor Pegs March 29 as AirPods 2 Release Date

The fact that almost every new generation of Apple products has increased in price is disappointing.

[EDIT: Spelling]

 

[44267547]

I hope they keep the competitive price point (not cheap, but certainly good value when compared to the direct competition).

I use mine so much, I’ll justify spending £159 every two years. Easily two hours a day use over 730 days is pretty good value IMO. And this high level of use is thanks to the comfort and ease of use.

I am all in on the AirPod train. It’ll take an awful lot to change to other earphones now.

Very much what you said. The AirPods aside from the battery life and technology, it was actually the price point was fairly competitive in terms of what it’s offering. $159 really isn’t that much compared to the ‘other’ Bluetooth earbuds, which are priced actually quite higher. When Apple launches version two of the AirPods, I hope they don’t raise the price too much, as that has been an onward trend with their product line as of late. And that’s what made the AirPods partially so popular, is because they really weren’t all that expensive to begin with.