Apple is reportedly planning to launch the third generation AirPods sometime in the first half of 2021. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the Cupertino giant will continue to sell the second-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro through the 2020 holiday period. The analyst also includes in his note (accessed by AppleInsider) that he expects AirPods shipments to grow for the remainder of the year, adding that the “worst will be over in 2Q20”.
The latest predictions build on the analyst’s earlier notes that the company will not offer EarPods with the upcoming iPhone 12 devices. The firm is expected to boost the earbud’s sales by running promotions for iPhone 12 buyers, along with providing discounts for other customers. The research note also predicts that the company will ship around 93 million units in 2020 owing to strong growth in sales year-over-year and increased demand.
As for the AirPods 3 themselves, Kuo says that the devices will have a “new form factor design” and will look similar to the AirPods Pro. It is not clear what design traits or features the third-generation earbuds will borrow from the more expensive product. The AirPods Pro features a shorter stem and silicone tips for the in-ear design and adds a host of features, including noise cancellation.
While there have been reports of a new AirPods model ready for launch earlier this year, the reputed analyst suggests that the Cupertino giant is not planning to launch any AirPods or AirPods Pro models in 2020.
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