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Next-Generation AirPods Reportedly Already in Production Despite Not Being Announced at Apple Event

While third-generation AirPods were not announced at the Apple Event this week, suppliers have already kicked off shipments of the long-awaited headphones, according to industry sources cited by Taiwanese website DigiTimes.

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In a paywalled preview of its report, DigiTimes said the shipments have been "slow," but production being underway is a good sign that the third-generation AirPods will likely be released before the end of the year. There will likely be another Mac-focused Apple Event this year, and the new AirPods could be unveiled then, or they could be announced with a press release through the Apple Newsroom at any point this fall.

The third-generation ‌AirPods‌ are expected to feature a design language similar to the ‌AirPods Pro‌, but without active noise cancellation. However, rumors have conflicted as to whether the new design will include silicone ear tips.

The second-generation AirPods were released in March 2019, priced at $159 with a wired charging case or $199 with a wireless charging case.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

58 months ago
They said we won't see new iPads in this event. Yet there were.

They said the Apple Watch will have a new design. It didn't.

They said they will announce the new Airpods 3. They didn't.

So many inaccurate rumors this year...
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
58 months ago
The only thing I legitimately need that wasn't announced at yesterday's event. Though I'm steadily building a case for "needing" a new iPad mini.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
58 months ago

The inconsistency is all over the place this year. No idea what is happening.
Perhaps Apple is actually having some success at cracking down some leaks?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Caliber26 Avatar
58 months ago
UGH!!! Hurry up already. My first-gen AirPods are barely hanging by a thread. This was the one thing I was anticipating the most yesterday.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
58 months ago
According to all the rumors they've been in production for close to a year now, Apple must have warehouses full of them by now.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
58 months ago
Will believe it when I see it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)