Apple Suppliers 'Gearing Up for Mass Production' of Updated iPad and AirPods

Companies in Apple's supply chain are reportedly "gearing up for mass production" of updated iPad and AirPods models, according to Taiwanese site DigiTimes.

Flexible PCB firms Flexium Interconnect and Zhen Ding Technology are gearing up for mass production for Apple's next-generation ‌iPad‌ devices, while Compeq Manufacturing and Unitech PCB supply rigid-flex boards for the forthcoming ‌AirPods‌, according to industry sources.

The report says that both updates are expected to come at Apple's March 25 event, although reliable sources have indicated the event will focus on Apple's upcoming news and video services with no hardware announcements planned.

Minor hardware updates could come silently alongside the event or via press release around the same time, as DigiTimes's insights via the supply chain are likely limited to production timing rather than event specifics.

Hints of an updated low-cost ‌iPad‌ have been growing, with new ‌iPad‌ models appearing in a regulatory database back in January. Rumors have suggested the entry-level ‌iPad‌ could see its display grow from 9.7 inches to around 10.2 inches thanks to slimmer bezels, but we're not expecting to see Face ID and removal of the home button with this update.

As for ‌AirPods‌, we've been hearing about an imminent update for many months now, with Apple's plans seemingly delayed as the company continues work on its AirPower charging mat. Updated ‌AirPods‌ would include a wireless charging case to work with the ‌AirPower‌ mat, as well as other upgrades including "Hey Siri" support and possibly new health monitoring features, a "grippy" texture, and maybe even a new black color option.