Apple is set to start mass production of third-generation AirPods in 2021, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Ming-Chi Kuo shared a research note with investors which briefly discusses the alleged new third-generation AirPods.
The research note hinted that the new AirPods will adopt the System-in-Package in the place of the PCB+SMT design previously seen in the second-generation AirPods. Any external design changes are not hinted in the research note.
“The third-generation AirPods will go to mass production in the 1H21, and the most significant change of the internal design of this new model is the adoption of SiP to replace the rigid-flex PCB+SMT design of second-generation AirPods. We believe that Apple will pull in this new model because of the declining demand for second-generation AirPods. Luxshare ICT will be the main supplier for this new model”, reads the note.
Third-generation AirPods to launch in 2021, unlike previously reported
However, the note contradicts previous leaks shared by tech analyst John Prosser, who claimed that Apple will soon launch new AirPods and MacBook Pro. The tech analyst posted on twitter, “New AirPods (which were supposed to be at the March event) are now ready to go, probably alongside MacBook Pro next month.”
DigiTimes also reported that the new AirPods will have the same design as AirPods Pro, and will sell for a lower cost than previous generations.
Kuo also talks about the shift in demand from second-generation AirPods to the AirPods Pro. The previous releases helped Apple to grow its shipments in 2019. Now with the increased demand for the Pro version, it’s quarter over quarter shipments aer predicted to increase by 70% in Q2 2020, compared to Q1 2020. In the same period, shipments of the second generation AirPods will likely fall by 40%, between 11 to 13 million units.
There were reports back in March that Apple is working on “AirPods Pro Lite”. Sources within chip and component suppliers have revealed that Apple’s alleged AirPods Lite is closer to production lines and “is expected to kick off between the end of the first quarter and the beginning of second quarter”.
via MacRumors
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