With a Potential Hardware Announcement Coming Tomorrow, Speculation Focuses on AirPods Studio

Last week, MacRumors shared details on an Apple internal memo informing Apple Authorized Service Providers about potential AppleCare-related changes planned for Tuesday, December 8, which hints at a new product release on that day.

airpods studio render pivot green

A mockup of what the AirPods Studio headphones might look like

Since then, there's been speculation about what product Apple could be announcing, and today, there are hints that Apple could perhaps be planning to unveil the long-awaited over-ear high-end "AirPods Studio" headphones.

The AppleTrack website claims to have "exclusive" information from "multiple sources familiar with the matter" that Apple will be launching the AirPods Studio tomorrow morning. AppleTrack doesn't have an established track record for rumors as of yet and it is not clear if the information is accurate.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today also reminded users about an October article he wrote that said "Apple is still planning to announce high-end, noise-canceling over-ear headphones," which perhaps suggests an upcoming launch. Leaker L0vetodream said earlier in November that Apple is planning to launch an unspecified "Christmas surprise" that's "good for winter" in December, but he did not clarify what product he was talking about.

An icon found in the iOS 14.3 beta features a design that resembles how the AirPods Studio headphones have been described, and that's also perhaps a hint that Apple is gearing up for a launch. There's still no clear evidence that AirPods Studio are coming before the end of the year, however, and Apple could also hold them until 2021.

Rumors suggested Apple would release the AirPods Studio earlier in the year, but the fall 2020 production date was allegedly pushed back because of problems with the headband, which some testers found to be too tight.

It's possible that Apple has been able to overcome the issues that delayed the launch of the AirPods Studio, and the headphones could be ready for release. The AirPods Studio are expected to feature Active Noise Cancellation functionality, removable ear cups, a retro-style design, and more, with details available in our AirPods Studio roundup.

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

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Top Rated Comments

farewelwilliams Avatar
60 months ago
that mockup is just so bad.

I'm sorry to the artist for saying these harsh words. I'm sure you were given the details and had to come up with the look as best as you could, but it's just a typical 90's headphone look and I'd be very surprised if Apple released something that looked like this.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ds6778 Avatar
60 months ago
Am I missing something? “Good for winter.” Are they releasing an Apple Space Heater Pro Max?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jclo Avatar
60 months ago

Am I missing something? “Good for winter.” Are they releasing an Apple Space Heater Pro Max?
I guess over-ear headphones keep your ears warm? You might be on the right track though, actually... if it's a 16-inch MacBook Pro with new Intel processor it probably runs hot enough to keep you warm.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
easy4lif Avatar
60 months ago
My moneys on Apple TV. AirPod studio would require announcement before ever just going live. A simple “here it is” isn’t Apple

an updated Apple TV with little more then a soc update, that’s a “here it is” apple announcement.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
adamjackson Avatar
60 months ago
I don't care about more headphones. I want that AppleCard 6% back on Apple.com purchases.

Last year, this news hit December 10th - https://www.macrumors.com/2019/12/10/apple-card-6-daily-cash-back/
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
apparatchik Avatar
60 months ago
good for winter? Say hello to the Apple Earmuffs
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)