New leak might hint at Apple’s AirPods 3 release date
Several recent reports have said that Apple plans to refresh its AirPods and AirPods Pro earphones with new models this year, often referred to as AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2. But AirPods rumors haven’t always been in sync. Some indicated that the launch was imminent, like the stories that showed images of AirPods 3 knock-offs found in China. Those fake AirPods 3 looked exactly like the descriptions we’ve seen in rumors and leaks — Apple will supposedly use the AirPods Pro design for its new entry-level AirPods model. But other reports said that the AirPods 3 might take longer to hit stores.
Now, a new supply chain leak from Asia indicates that some of the component makers known to deliver parts for various Apple products have started manufacturing new parts for Apple’s upcoming AirPods 3.
The new leak comes from the usual source of supply chain reports from Asia, Digitimes, which is closely connected to Apple’s supplier. The tech blog isn’t always accurate with its reports, but it produces plenty of stories that do deliver accurate insights into Apple’s product launch plans for the year.
“Suppliers including Semco, LG Innotek, Kinsus, Unimicron, Nan Ya, Zhen Ding, and AT&S have all kicked off their BT substrate shipments for Apple’s next-generation products, including the Apple Watch, AirPods and iPhone, which all adopt SiP modules,” Digitimes said.
The report doesn’t offer more specific info on the new AirPods models, and Apple is obviously expected to refresh all the products mentioned in that quote. The iPhone 13 series should launch in September alongside the Apple Watch Series 7. The AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 also seem like guaranteed product refreshes, considering the various rumors we’ve heard so far this year.
