After speculation surrounding the launch of Apple’s next earbuds, it now looks increasingly likely that AirPods 3 will debut alongside the iPhone 13.
Apple’s AirPods 3 are increasingly likely to launch within the next few months and alongside the iPhone 13. The next version of the company’s AirPods have been rumored for some time, as has their expected release date. The latter of which has, unsurprisingly, been the subject of conflicting reports, considering the ongoing chip shortages have raised question over the launch of many devices in recent months.
AirPods continue to be an extremely popular option, and especially for those who already own at least on other Apple device. After all, their tendency to play nicely with Apple’s wider ecosystem makes them even more useful than when paired with devices running on other operating systems, including Android. That’s all before taking into account the various improvements and Apple-specific technologies that AirPods boast.
There is a “good chance” AirPods 3 will launch alongside the iPhone 13, according to DigiTime Asia, citing unnamed supply chain sources for the information. Specifically, the report highlights PCBs (FPCB) and SiP module shipments have already started, albeit in “small volumes” with the expectation they will be significantly increased during the third and fourth quarters of the year. Considering these modules have already started shipping, and are understood to be specifically for AirPods, the suggestion is Apple is readying its next earbuds for launch.
Delayed, But AirPods 3 Are Coming
Interestingly, the report does much more than simply suggest that AirPods 3 will launch in the coming months and most likely at Apple’s iPhone 13 event. As the report looks to explain that Apple has apparently been prioritizing shipments of the components used in the new iPhone and also in the Apple Watch over those in the new AirPods. This prioritization is said to have led to the delay of the AirPods 3 in the first place, pushing the release back from early in 2021 to the second half of the year.
The same report (and sources) also suggest the next AirPods will “remain price-friendly” and there is the expectation that they will be in high demand. Not only simply because they are a new set of earbuds from Apple, but also due to the company’s more recent decision to stop bundling a set of earphones in with the purchase of an iPhone. The latter of which might also further point to the release of AirPods 3 and iPhone 13 together, as it will allow those that are planning on picking up Apple’s latest smartphone the opportunity to also pick up the latest pair of AirPods at the same time.
Source: DigiTimes Asia
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