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Supply Chain Prepares for New Apple Watch Models and Third-Generation AirPods

Apple supplier ASE Technology is packaging core chips for at least two new Apple Watch models based on its system-in-package technology, and it will also incorporate the technology into third-generation AirPods, according to DigiTimes.

airpods pro opposite apple watch series 5
Earlier this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Debby Wu reported that the new Apple Watch lineup will include a successor to the Apple Watch Series 5 and a replacement for the Series 3 that will compete with lower-cost fitness trackers like Fitbits.

While new Apple Watch models are typically announced alongside new iPhones in September, rumors suggest that this year's Series 6 lineup might be unveiled in October. Rumored features include a new S6 processor for improved performance, expanded health capabilities like blood oxygen monitoring, and faster Wi-Fi and cellular speeds.

The report claims the third-generation AirPods will be released in 2021, lining up with a timeframe shared by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who expects a launch in the first half of the year specifically. There have been conflicting rumors as to whether these AirPods will sport the same design as the AirPods Pro, including in-ear tips and shorter stems below the ears.

Apple is rumored to have several other products in its pipeline, including a 10.8-inch iPad Air with an edge-to-edge display like the iPad Pro, a smaller HomePod, over-ear AirPods headphones, a new Apple TV, and item tracking AirTags. While some of these products will likely be released by the end of 2020, timing is less certain amid the global health crisis.

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Top Rated Comments

crawfish963 Avatar
76 months ago
I might spring for a Series 6 to replace my Series 4. Waiting to see what the benefits to upgrading will truly be.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
76 months ago

Why would anyone upgrade the watch this year.
You obviously don’t follow the Apple Watch. The Series 6 Apple Watch is likely targeted for Series 3 owners to upgrade. Apple doesn’t expect every Series 5 owner to upgrade, it’s more like every-other -generation.


It's a watch, not a work machine.
What does this even mean? (You don’t need to answer that, I want to provoke thought that you actually take time to think about what you’re posting.) So I take it you don’t own an Apple Watch then? The Apple Watch is a multi tool, that is both the best of both worlds of being a communication device and health tracker, I realize that obvious, but you’re intentionally dismissing the watch for whatever reason.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GadgetBen Avatar
76 months ago
And a Glucose Monitor
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
QCassidy352 Avatar
76 months ago

Why would anyone upgrade the watch this year. Faster?? It's a watch, not a work machine.
Most upgrades (watch as well as other products) are not really targeted at the people who bought last year's model. There's very rarely a truly compelling year over year update.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarlJ Avatar
76 months ago

Maybe it will announce on Tuesday.
Of course it’ll announce on a Tuesday. It’s just a question of which one.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
76 months ago

Is it theoretically possible for future Apple Watch models to charge on the Qi system instead of Apple's special 2W watch charger?
I sure hope so. I can grow a stubbly beard waiting for my watch to fully charge.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)