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.
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.
Popular Stories
Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event kicks off today at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, where we're expecting to see the foldable iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models, new AirPods 5 earphones, and perhaps some other announcements.
Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV app across various platforms. We...
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware is available for all of the above devices, and it will enable support for new iOS 27 features. The firmware has a build number of 9A348.
In iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, Apple is adding a new AirPods interface, a slider for Adaptive mode, and support for custom EQ....
In his newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated that AirPods 5 will be released as early as this September, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, a foldable iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 12, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Apple is holding an event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
He also reiterated that he expects an iPad mini with an OLED display and...
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 Drops to Record Low $599.97 on Amazon [Updated]](https://images.macrumors.com/t/99z85mg_XjeuFDPW3me6tOe0oOw=/112x112/article-new/2026/09/apple-watch-ultra-3-new.jpeg)
