After a brief round of confusing AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 release messages, the latest tips from renowned analysts and leakers set Apple's launch timeframe for the next generation of its venerable true wireless buds lines once and for all.

Now, thanks to famed Apple clairvoyant Ming-Chi Kuo, and a leaked supplier schedule, we know why Apple may have been taking its time with both the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 production or launch schemes.

Apple AirPods 3 release

The world's top manufacturer of bearing for laptops and other electronics' hinges, has been hiring operators in the second quarter to meet the H2 order production rush for Apple's upcoming new MacBooks and AirPods 3 charging case. 

"As soon as the third quarter, the shipment momentum will be significantly stronger, which will help operations quickly recover," says the report, tangentially confirming a fall release for both the Pods and the Books.

The reason for the delay in the AirPods 3 and new MacBooks announcement, though, has nothing to do with the bearings, tip the industry insiders, but other components like chips that Apple, like everyone in the industry at the moment, including Samsung with the S21 FE, had trouble sourcing in time for an H1 release.

"AirPods is currently in a period of replacement between new and old products," they continue, and, while the first half shipments saw a 25% year-on-year decrease, the launch of the AirPods 3 during the "peak season" (read: in the run up to Christmas) will help Apple finish with an overall increase in AirPods shipments compared to last year. 

Moreso, they are expected to sport the new design you see below with shorter stems and wider charging case. Still no ANC, sorry, but a boost in battery life due to a new chip and battery packaging is reportedly in the making.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 release

Mr Kuo revised its total AirPods shipment forecast for 2022 to 70 million from 75 million, as, despite the expected AirPods Pro 2 launch then, competitors like Sony with its breathtaking XM4 buds are encroaching into its arguably still record piece of the market pie with increasing success. 

No surprise, as they've actually made a better product at a comparable price, yet he advises that the total audio sales of Apple in the TWS realm will be back to normal when you add categories in the Beats brand, for instance: "Even without the innovative experience of AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, Apple's total TWS device shipment will be back to more than 100 million in 2022."

As for Apple's strategy around the AirPods and Beats brands, Kuo is unequivocal: "AirPods are higher priced, target Apple device users, and aim to provide innovation and eco-experience to increase added value. Beats are lower-priced, target Apple and non-Apple device users, and increase shipments or market share." Do you agree, given how the new Beats Studio Buds turned out in pricing and features? View Full Bio

Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena since 2010, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.

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