Apple’s expected third-generation AirPods have been in the news a lot recently. The latest update from supply chain sources claims that Apple will release new AirPods without active noise cancellation technology in a familiar AirPods Pro design. DigiTimes, a Taiwanese publication, reports that the decision is based on maintaining lower retail cost for the new earbuds.
AirPods will have the same design as AirPods Pro
DigiTimes’ sources claim that Apple would release third-generation AirPods with the same design as the Pro variants; short legs and silicone ear tips for comfort.
The report calls the new wireless earbuds ‘AirPods Pro’ which is strange as it sounds a little contradictory. If the new AirPods are like the AirPods Pro only in design and not functionality (active noise cancellation and transparency mode) to be sold at a lower price, should they be called ‘Pro’? Currently, the Pro models sell for $249 with active noise cancellation as a big selling point. Therefore, we can conclude that without active noise cancellation, the new AirPods in functionality will be an extended version of first and second-generation models, but in an updated design.
This report is the only source giving some insight into the functionality and design of the new earbuds. There are several sources indicating the release of the product without mentioning details. Jon Prosser, a tech analyst, reported a few days ago that the new AirPods which were supposed to release in March are ready for launch in May.
New AirPods (which were supposed to be at the March Event) are now ready to go.
Probably alongside the MacBook Pro next month.
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) April 19, 2020
Another recently discovered, accurate and anonymous leaker @Lovetodream reported this month that the new AirPods are on the way, without mentioning a date.
new airpods and macbook pro on the way
— 有没有搞措 (@L0vetodream) April 16, 2020
Interestingly, both leakers believe that Apple will release new AirPods X as well. Prosser detailed that these new headphones will retail for $200 and launch in September/ October time frame. He further claims that these will be sports-focused headphones, preferably for athletic activities like running, working out, and more. Sources also report that Apple is working on over-ear headphones with modular functionality, and plans to launch them at WWDC 2020 for $350.
via MacRumors
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