Apple Delays AirPods, October Launch No Longer Happening

When Apple debuted its AirPods in September, the company said the wireless earbuds would launch in late October. Now that it's late October, people have been wondering if a release is imminent, but as it turns out, the AirPods are delayed.

Apple today told TechCrunch that it needs "a little more time" before the AirPods are ready for a public release, without specifying the reason behind the delay.

airpods-2

"The early response to AirPods has been incredible. We don't believe in shipping a product before it's ready, and we need a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers," an Apple spokesperson said to TechCrunch.

Apple did not provide TechCrunch with updated launch information, so it is no longer clear when the AirPods will be available for purchase.

AirPods are Apple's premium headphone solution for the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, which do not include a headphone jack. AirPods, powered by Bluetooth and an Apple-designed W1 chip, are entirely wireless with no cords between them.


They include advanced features like infrared sensors to detect when they're in the ear, beam forming microphones to reduce external noise, and accelerometers to respond to touch gestures.

AirPods have been in the hands of reviewers since September and have garnered largely positive reviews for the fit, the features, the simple setup, and the easy recharging.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

asleep Avatar
113 months ago
They lost one...
Score: 122 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BobertKennedy Avatar
113 months ago
Airpods are a cruel joke to keep you going back for more.

Score: 67 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moriarty Avatar
113 months ago
I guess Apple lost them all.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thefredelement Avatar
113 months ago
Oh man, BUT I NEEDED THEM.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Icaras Avatar
113 months ago
Bummed out about the news! I was really looking forward to getting these, but a least my ears won't blow up now :eek:
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ginkobiloba Avatar
113 months ago
"AirPods are Apple's premium headphone solution for the iPhone 7 ('https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-7/') and the iPhone 7 Plus"

Maybe premium in price and in wireless connectivity, but certainly not premium in sound quality.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)