The second-generation AirPods Pro, rumored set for launch in the second half of 2021, may arrive earlier than expected.
A second-generation version of Apple's AirPods Pro could land early this year instead of the previously reported second half of 2021. Recent reports claim that the improved and newer version of the accessory may arrive by the end of the spring season. Apple declined to comment on the report.
Second-generation AirPods Pro, third-gen AirPods may land in early 2021 pic.twitter.com/VbTdyMueJ5 — HamacaSoft (@hamacasoft) October 27, 2020
DigiTimes, a Taiwan-based news media outlet with a focus on electronics and communications industries, filed the report about the early release of Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro after the Cupertino tech giant placed orders for flash memory from a supplier. Citing sources, the news media outlet revealed Apple might use the flash memories in personal audio accessories, which could mean the company is considering releasing the accessory in early 2021.
For Use In AirPods Line
According to DigiTimes industry sources, Apple placed the order with Winbond Electronics, a Taiwan-based corporation that makes semiconductors and other kinds of integrated circuits. Sources say the semiconductor company will benefit from Apple's "strong pull-in of short lead-time orders," which could fill up its production capacity. The news media outlet also said Apple would use the NOR flash memories for its AirPods line, prompting rumors of the possibility of an early release of the second-generation AirPods Pro, perhaps in spring of 2021.
The report, however, did not say what AirPods model will be using the NOR flash memories that Apple ordered with Winbond Electronics. DigiTimes hinted though that the components are for a new model, perhaps the second-generation AirPods Pro, which past reports indicate a launch date in the second half of 2021 but rumors today suggest there could be an early release, possibly in spring of 2021. DigiTimes also reported that Winbond would be running at almost full production capacity in the first half of the year because of the orders.
March Launch Date?
The news outlet did not indicate the amount of NOR flash memories ordered by Apple, but the report did hint it is a sizable chunk of Winbond's production capacity. Some industry observers say that many expect Winbond Electronics to be among the major NOR flash suppliers for Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro. If whispered talks about the orders, including their purpose, are true, then you can expect Apple to release its second-generation AirPods Pro earlier than expected instead of the previously reported second half of 2021. Who knows, its release could be as early as March or April 2021, or perhaps during or at the end of the spring season.
