Supply Chain Prepares for New Apple Watch Models and Third-Generation AirPods

Apple supplier ASE Technology is packaging core chips for at least two new Apple Watch models based on its system-in-package technology, and it will also incorporate the technology into third-generation AirPods, according to DigiTimes.

airpods pro opposite apple watch series 5
Earlier this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Debby Wu reported that the new Apple Watch lineup will include a successor to the Apple Watch Series 5 and a replacement for the Series 3 that will compete with lower-cost fitness trackers like Fitbits.

While new Apple Watch models are typically announced alongside new iPhones in September, rumors suggest that this year's Series 6 lineup might be unveiled in October. Rumored features include a new S6 processor for improved performance, expanded health capabilities like blood oxygen monitoring, and faster Wi-Fi and cellular speeds.

The report claims the third-generation AirPods will be released in 2021, lining up with a timeframe shared by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who expects a launch in the first half of the year specifically. There have been conflicting rumors as to whether these AirPods will sport the same design as the AirPods Pro, including in-ear tips and shorter stems below the ears.

Apple is rumored to have several other products in its pipeline, including a 10.8-inch iPad Air with an edge-to-edge display like the iPad Pro, a smaller HomePod, over-ear AirPods headphones, a new Apple TV, and item tracking AirTags. While some of these products will likely be released by the end of 2020, timing is less certain amid the global health crisis.

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, Apple Watch 10
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

crawfish963 Avatar
66 months ago
I might spring for a Series 6 to replace my Series 4. Waiting to see what the benefits to upgrading will truly be.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
66 months ago

Why would anyone upgrade the watch this year.
You obviously don’t follow the Apple Watch. The Series 6 Apple Watch is likely targeted for Series 3 owners to upgrade. Apple doesn’t expect every Series 5 owner to upgrade, it’s more like every-other -generation.


It's a watch, not a work machine.
What does this even mean? (You don’t need to answer that, I want to provoke thought that you actually take time to think about what you’re posting.) So I take it you don’t own an Apple Watch then? The Apple Watch is a multi tool, that is both the best of both worlds of being a communication device and health tracker, I realize that obvious, but you’re intentionally dismissing the watch for whatever reason.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GadgetBen Avatar
66 months ago
And a Glucose Monitor
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
QCassidy352 Avatar
66 months ago

Why would anyone upgrade the watch this year. Faster?? It's a watch, not a work machine.
Most upgrades (watch as well as other products) are not really targeted at the people who bought last year's model. There's very rarely a truly compelling year over year update.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarlJ Avatar
66 months ago

Maybe it will announce on Tuesday.
Of course it’ll announce on a Tuesday. It’s just a question of which one.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nautilus007 Avatar
66 months ago
Honestly, i think announcements will be boring besides the iPhone.

iPad case has been leaked already and if you own a pro- nothing exciting. Airtags- hard to believe these will be released soon because there has been no leak of what they may look like (I can't remember an apple product that has been released in recent memory without leaking before release). Apple Watch 6 probably looks identical to 5 and 4 since there has been no leaks, upgrade will be similar to last year.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)