Apple is planning to release an updated version of its AirPods wireless earbuds in the second half of 2018, respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims in a new note to clients.
While he doesn’t share too many details about what the new AirPods will do differently, he does suggest that they will adopt a smaller quartz component — quite possibly making them even smaller than the first-gen model currently available.
Supply chain challenges
In his note to investors, Kuo also sheds a bit of light on the current supply issues Apple is having with the AirPods. At present, AirPods are next to impossible to find, and shipping estimates are currently showing up as taking place in January, despite other devices like the iPhone X now showing next day delivering. According to Kuo, the problem involves the device’s rigid-flex printed circuit board, which is causing a supply chain bottleneck.
Perhaps due to this lack of availability, Kuo thinks Apple will experience increased calendar Q1 sales for the AirPods. He also suggests that Apple will double its AirPod shipments next year to 26 million+ units.
AirPods are among the most beloved new products that Apple has launched in years, with around 98 percent of customers describing themselves as either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with Apple’s wireless buds.
Do you own a pair of AirPods? What do you think of them, and what would you like to see Apple improve in a second-generation model? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Via: 9to5Mac
