DigiTimes: New AirPods Pro Likely Deferred Until Second Half of 2020 or Later - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

DigiTimes: New AirPods Pro Likely Deferred Until Second Half of 2020 or Later

AirPods PRo isolatedApple is likely to defer the launch of new AirPods Pro to the second half of 2020 or some point in 2021, according to supply chain sources cited by Taiwanese publication DigiTimes.

A paywalled preview of the report:

Apple likely to defer new AirPods Pro launch
Apple is likely to defer the launch of its new AirPods Pro to the second half of 2020 or even 2021, according to sources at related suppliers.

Last month, DigiTimes had reported that Apple's suppliers would kick off production of a new entry-level version of AirPods Pro between the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second quarter, but it would not be surprising if that timeframe has changed due to the impact of the global health crisis.

Earlier this month, leaker Jon Prosser claimed that Apple was planning to release so-called "AirPods X" around September or October with a BeatsX-like design for sports and running. Prosser said those "AirPods X" are likely the same product as the entry-level AirPods Pro that DigiTimes has been referring to.

"AirPods X" were first rumored by the seemingly prescient Twitter user "l0vetodream" in early March, but details remain slim.

Prosser more recently said that Apple has new AirPods ready to launch, possibly alongside a 13-inch MacBook Pro refresh next month, suggesting that a third generation of the standard AirPods could also be on the horizon.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

AirPods Pro Beta Firmware 2

Apple Releases New AirPods Firmware With iOS 27 Features

Monday September 14, 2026 11:42 am PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware is available for all of the above devices, and it will enable support for new iOS 27 features. The firmware has a build number of 9A348. In iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, Apple is adding a new AirPods interface, a slider for Adaptive mode, and support for custom EQ....
airpods pro 3 blue

AirPods With Cameras Were Supposed to Debut Today, Now Delayed

Wednesday September 9, 2026 4:35 am PDT by
Apple planned to introduce high-end in-ear AirPods with built-in cameras for analyzing the surrounding environment at today's event, but the launch has been pushed to next year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. In early August, Gurman said the earbuds were progressing well enough to potentially ship before the end of the year. By mid-August, though, he reported that Apple had pulled the model...
iphone 18 pro cases

Apple Debuts New Accessories for iPhone 18 Pro and AirPods Pro 3

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:01 pm PDT by
Apple today announced a new lineup of accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and AirPods Pro 3, including a redesigned clear case with MagSafe and all-new wrist straps. The new colors span much of Apple's accessory range: TechWoven Case with MagSafe: Burgundy, Olive, Taupe, Chambray Blue, Mulberry, and Black Silicone Case with MagSafe: Magenta, Black, Navy Blue, Crisp...

Top Rated Comments

84 months ago
They should probably fix the noise cancelling they broke in a software update before releasing a new version. Jeez.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jetjaguar Avatar
84 months ago
New airpods pro already?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
84 months ago

They should probably fix the noise cancelling they broke in a software update before releasing a new version. Jeez.
Came here to say this. The poor handling of these issues since launch rivals the keyboard issues of the MBP (which I have also personally experienced).
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tommy Hewitt Avatar
84 months ago

I’d like to see ANC added to the current AirPods design (no rubber tips). If that’s what they mean by “Pro Lite” then I’m in!
ANC does not work very well without a tight seal.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheIguana Avatar
84 months ago
I'm sorry at the current price level and offering, the statement "entry-level AirPods Pro," is unfathomably moronic. They are in no way an "entry-level" product.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
84 months ago

These won’t be the pros.
True (probably a cheaper design, removed a feature or something) but it still doesn't matter. It is inexcusable for Apple to be releasing any sort of airpods without fixing the MAJOR issues of the current ones. Firmware ruined the Pros with no way to downgrade and no update for months. I went back to Gen 2's because the Pros have so many issues. Will not buy another pair until they fix the Pros.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)