New AirPods will launch in first half of 2021, according to DigiTimes sources.
The claim is based on reports from DigiTimes’ industry sources that Apple has placed orders relating to Apple’s AirPods with Winbond Electronics.
There are various rumours about new AirPods coming from Apple – including an update to the standard AirPods (AirPods 3), a cheaper version of the AirPods Pro ( AirPods Pro Light) and apparently an update to the AirPods Pro that will see Apple further reduce the size of the AirPods Pro stem that protrudes from the base of the earphones. (This theory has since been supported by leaked photos.)
In addition it’s thought that Apple will redesign the earbuds to make them better shaped to the ear.
It seems to be these new AirPods Pro that are being referenced in the DigiTimes report.
The report states that: “Winbond is also expected to be among the NOR flash suppliers for Apple’s next-generation AirPods Pro slated for launch later in the first half of this year.”
A Macotakara report earlier in January 2021 pegged an AirPods Pro launch for April, also based on supply chain reports. That suggests we could head about the AirPods range at the expected spring event.
Author: Karen Haslam, Editor
Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld almost two decades ago.
Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple.