Kuo: 'AirPods 3' Expected to Use Similar System-in-Package Technology as AirPods Pro

Apple's third-generation AirPods will adopt a compact system-in-package (SiP) solution similar to AirPods Pro, according to the latest research note from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, obtained by MacRumors.

AirPods3
Apple is expected to launch new entry-level AirPods with a form factor design similar to ‌AirPods Pro‌ in the first half of 2021, and Kuo's latest note advances his earlier prediction by underlining the need for SiP technology to integrate the earbuds' audio features into the smaller casing. Introduced in 2019, ‌AirPods Pro‌ feature a different in-ear design to AirPods, with shorter stems below the ear.

Based on the so-called "AirPods 3" arriving in the first half of next year, Kuo believes current-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ part suppliers should see component shipments grow an estimated 50 percent to 100 percent year over year. The existing second-generation AirPods are expected to be discontinued when the new models are launched.

Amkor, JCET and Huanxu Electronics are in line to supply the SiP components, while Shin Zu Shing is expected to supply the AirPods case hinge, said Kuo.

Overall AirPods shipments are projected to slow in 2021, with growth expected at 28 percent year on year, compared to an expected 65.1 percent growth year on year in 2020, which Kuo believes will be stimulated by Apple's decision to sell the "iPhone 12" without wired EarPods included in the box.

Related Roundup: AirPods 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

Caliber26 Avatar
45 months ago
Ugh. I hope this doesn’t mean all AirPods moving forward will be in-ear. Bought the Pros and returned them right away and want back to my first-gen AirPods.

My use for AirPods is limited to listening to podcasts at work or during long phone calls, and I only use one at a time. I don’t need (or want) and earphone ‘plugged’ into my ear the entire time for simple stuff like this.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DJTaurus Avatar
45 months ago
Please no silicone tips on AirPods. They are perfect as they are. They only need better battery longevity.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ouimetnick Avatar
45 months ago
Seems foolish to only offer one style. The regular AirPods are uncomfortable for me and don’t fit in my ears, but the AirPods Pro do. Likewise other people have the opposite experience and can’t get a comfortable snug fit with the AirPods Pro but the regular AirPod design works well for them. They should continue to offer both styles.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Geoko78 Avatar
45 months ago
Apple will just save me some money.Thanks Apple..No way gonna buy earphones with silicone tips to make my ear hurt..Did it once with beatsx never gonna do it again...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsmilo Avatar
45 months ago

Still rocking the original AirPods, since December 2016. never had a single issue with them so I will just keep using them.
do yours still last? Mine barely last an hour
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BvizioN Avatar
45 months ago
Still rocking the original AirPods, since December 2016. never had a single issue with them so I will just keep using them.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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