Third-Generation AirPods Again Rumored to Launch in First Half of 2021

[MacRumors]

Apple's third-generation AirPods have once again been rumored to be launching in the first half of 2021, according to DigiTimes.

The claim comes in a paywalled preview of an upcoming report indicating that Apple's supply chain partner Inventec will only account for 20% or less of assembly orders for the new model. Apple has multiple assembly partners for its AirPods in addition to Inventec, including Luxshare and Goertek.

Inventec unlikely to grab major orders for next-gen AirPods

Inventec will still be among the assemblers of Apple's next-generation AirPods slated for release in the first half of 2021, but may account for 20% or less of the total orders demanded, according to industry sources.

The early preview of the report will be filled out with more detail tomorrow, and we'll update this article with any other notable information.

Several sources including noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have indicated that the next-generation AirPods should launch in the first half of next year.

Kuo most recently indicated back in June that he expects the new AirPods to have a similar design to the AirPods Pro, although they would presumably lack some of the more advanced features such as active noise cancellation found in the more expensive AirPods Pro. The shift to an AirPods Pro-like design may have contributed to early confusion about an "AirPods Pro Lite" model.

As for the AirPods Pro earphones themselves, rumors have indicated second-generation models could debut in the second half of 2021.

Article Link: Third-Generation AirPods Again Rumored to Launch in First Half of 2021

 

[Expos of 1969]

Good luck to all buyers.

 

[satchmo]

I welcome the look of the AirPod Pro with a shorter stem.

It seems like Apple is moving toward a homogeneous look in their products between 'regular' and pro models.

 

[CWallace]

I just purchased a pair of AirPod Pros on the Amazon sale and have to say I am very impressed. My Gen1 AirPods still work fine, so I will keep them around as a backup.

 

[cmaier]

Wish they would consider us mutants with apparently-giant earholes. Even the pros, with the biggest third party foam tips, don't make a good seal for me.

 

[roland.g]

I really like the fit of the AirPods and am not a fan of the in-ear Pro style tips. I was hoping to get a next generation, but will likely replace mine this fall with a new phone since mine are just about shot.

 

[Zammir]

I welcome shorter stem, but not the plug inside the ear ones like the pro ;/

 

[jlocker]

My three year old first gen AirPods are starting to die so, looks like it will be perfect timing for me.

 

[Bane-Thunder]

Man i really wish they wouldnt change the AirPods design i hate those in-ear plunger style of headphones. Cant you just keep it to the pro?

 

[alexandr]

ok, if the dump the airpod shape for the airpod pro shape, i'm going to buy another 2nd gen airpods for when my current gen 2 airpods die..

 

[incoherent_1]

Various rumor sources have been predicting new AirPods in the next 3-6 months since December of last year. So, yeah, I think most sources have no clue when they’re coming and are just throwing dates at the wall to see what sticks.

 

[maconservative]

ok, if the dump the airpod shape for the airpod pro shape, i'm going to buy another 2nd gen airpods for when my current gen 2 airpods die..

If you are looking to buy another pair, MicroCenter has the 2nd gen, regular case for $119.99 and 2nd gen, wireless case for $139.99.

 

[Tech198]

Good luck to all buyers.

Thanks.. lol

Seriously, third-gen ? This is unlike Apple... continuing to make anything that would go with "obsolete" hardware..

AppleTV 3rd isn't even receiving updates anymore. Why would people wanna but a 4th gen if your only concerned with ear-pods? Apple just made a bad choice here

 

[Wokis]

Hope they are still simple hook-ins and that they leave the rubber fittings to the pro.

 

[alexandr]

If you are looking to buy another pair, MicroCenter has the 2nd gen, regular case for $119.99 and 2nd gen, wireless case for $139.99.

thanks a lot! i got mine on black friday from b&h for 160(wireless case) and no tax
i still have hopes that apple will make normal 3rd gen airpods, but if not - i'll see you at microcenter!