The AirPods 3 could start rolling off production lines in the third quarter of 2021, according to a new rumor, which would likely mean that it will launch alongside the iPhone 13 lineup during the usual Apple phones release window.
This is contrary to a recent rumor suggesting that a new AirPods model could launch during Apple’s next suspicious product event on March 23. But the new information comes from famous Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has reportedly said the company will start producing new AirPods in the third calendar quarter. of 2021 ”, according to an investor report seen by AppleInsider.
More interesting: Kuo isn’t sure whether Apple will completely replace the current AirPods 2 with the new model or keep it in the lineup as a cheaper option. There are fears that the latter will siphon off sales of the new AirPods 3, but not having an affordable option could drive consumers away as well.
And although Kuo predicts an overall decline in sales of AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max ahead of the AirPods 3 release, demand for the new model will mean that the volume of shipments (and ideally, sales) will increase. will recover in the fourth quarter and during the holiday season.
Kuo hasn’t suggested a release date for the AirPods 3, simply stating that Apple will begin production in Q3 2021 – but given the way Apple has bundled its announcements of new iPhones and other assorted gadgets in September of each. year, we would expect this to be the case. the case again. Of course, the iPhone 12 range and other launched products have been scattered across Three days in September, October, and November in 2020 (likely due to pandemic-related production delays), so it could be different in 2021.
The mystery of the AirPods 3
It would be easier to judge if we knew more about the so-called AirPods 3; all we’ve really heard is about a rumor redesign that replaced the tall charging case with a larger, chunkier case like the AirPods Pro case. This leak shows that the AirPods 3 retain the rounded plastic body instead of the silicone tips of its predecessor.
It’s strange how little is so close to a potential March 23 launch date, but there’s reason to believe it could be later. One of the sources claiming the date, Jon Prosser, announced it in a tweeter, then replied with a list of products ready and which could debut at the event: “AirTags, iPad Pro, AirPods [3], Apple TV.’
While all of this is possible, it was the AirTags that caught our attention – leaks and rumors have claimed that the Tile-type tracker has been around for a year or two. It is possible that Prosser is right and the AirPods 3 are ready… but Kuo is also right, and Apple is just waiting until Q3 2021 and starting to produce the true wireless headphones for its own reasons.
These reasons could be multiple, from persistent production delays due to the pandemic to Apple’s preference for products to be announced ahead of the holiday season in Q4 2021. What is clear is that the AirPods 2 are released in 2019, and the people who bought them may then feel the need for a timely replacement if the AirPods 3 comes out this year.
–
