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Leaker Casts Doubt on Third-Generation AirPods Launching Soon

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While rumors have been floating around about third-generation AirPods launching as early as this month, a reliable leaker has suggested this will not be the case after all.

airpods 3 1
In a cryptic-as-usual message posted on his Weibo page today (via 9to5Mac), L0vetodream said there are "no AirPods" in his "dream." In a tweet shortly afterwards, he then suggested that the second-generation AirPods will not be discontinued yet. This comes after well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the third-generation AirPods will enter mass production in the second half of 2021, meaning a launch could be months away.

At this point, it's unclear if Apple will even be holding its rumored March 23 event, as it was generally expected that Apple would have announced the event by today at around 9 a.m. Pacific Time. Of course, Apple could choose to announce the event at a different time, or it could introduce new products with press releases as it did last March.

Apple has a handful of products rumored to be in the pipeline, including its long-awaited AirTags item trackers, a new iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display, new iPad and iPad mini models, and a new Apple TV. A redesigned iMac with Apple silicon is also expected to launch this year, but it's unclear if the computer is ready yet. 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon are not expected until the second half of 2021.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Tags: AirPods 3, L0vetodream
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

LeadingHeat Avatar
LeadingHeat
65 months ago

I would love new Apple TV, but I think fall release is more likely. I think given HomePod's demise, perhaps it needs to be reborn as HomeTV, with built-in microphones (Sound Recognition security) and camera (webcam and indoor security camera) to emphasis Home.
Or built in mesh networking, either as a router or an extender. Bring back AirPort!
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
MrPresident
65 months ago
My first generation AirPods get less than 15 minutes after three and a half years. As reluctant as I am to buy another pair of disposable ear phones for £160 I probably would have snapped them up if they were ready next week.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nutmac Avatar
nutmac
65 months ago

At this point, it's unclear if Apple will even be holding its rumored March 23 event ('https://www.macrumors.com/2021/03/08/apple-event-march-23-kang/'), as it was generally expected that Apple would have announced the event by today at around 9 a.m. Pacific Time. Of course, Apple could choose to announce the event at a different time, or it could introduce new products with press releases as it did last March.
It will be just a press release, but probably more elaborate product video for new products like the AirTags.

New iPad models don't really warrant a press release, if it ends up being just better display, 5G, faster processor, and new color.

I would love new Apple TV, but I think fall release is more likely. I think given HomePod's demise, perhaps it needs to be reborn as HomeTV, with built-in microphones (Sound Recognition security) and camera (webcam and indoor security camera) to emphasis Home.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0-0 Avatar
0-0
65 months ago
Apple are really starting to throw off the leakers... no invites sent today for the rumoured 23rd event.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bazooka-joe Avatar
Bazooka-joe
65 months ago
Yep it looks as if the like of Prosser and Co have got it wrong.
All we have heard from fairly reliable sources is that iPads are ready to go, Airtags are ready to go, AirPods 3 are ready to go and there will be an event on the 23rd.
With one week to go, that’s all looking very unlikely now unless of course Apple release one or some of those products without an event.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unity451 Avatar
Unity451
65 months ago
I think they'll time the release to be just as everyone's non-replaceable rechargeable batteries begin failing.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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