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 (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

Nozuka Avatar
50 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)
hcherry Avatar
50 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)
dantracht Avatar
50 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
50 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)
dz5b609 Avatar
50 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)
dantracht Avatar
50 months ago
Will believe it when I see it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)