AirPods 2: Could We See New Apple Buds at the October Event?
Could they finally arrive?
Apple dropped a creative hint about what its October 30 media event could bring. Most rumors suggest that new iPad Pros will be in the spotlight, but upgrades to Macs, MacBooks, and even AirPods aren’t totally out of the question.
Rumors from reliable sources have hinted at the possibility of second-generation AirPods since February. Scoop machine Mark Gurman reported that the AirPods 2 would be over-ear, water-proof, and come with noise canceling capabilities. While trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was reported stating that the potential AirPods 2 would also we over-ear and that they could arrive in “mid to late 2018.”
AirPods fans of the internet have been clamoring for them and the company stands to gain a lot with a refresh as well. AirPods are the highest selling earbuds in the United States and Canada market, according to a May 2018 sales analysis by Arizton. During its second-quarter earnings call, Apple revealed wearables had become an increasingly important part of its business strategy bringing in $10 billion of revenue over four quarters.
Apple might have dropped some Easter eggs for the AirPods 2 in its iPhone keynote. Could October be their unveiling?
Does this mean new AirPods are on the agenda for October 30? The invite provides some hints.
AirPods 2: Location, Location, Location
Apple’s October event invites were beautifully designed, but short on details. They only revealed when and where the launch will take place, 10 a.m. Eastern at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. This could have been a subtle not for AirPods to come.
The fact that it’ll be hosted in a performance art venue could mean it might have something to do with music. The invitation made is abundantly clear that it’ll be centered around the visual arts with the variety of Apple logos that were sent around, but the company could have something else up its sleeve.
There are have been user complaints that the AirPods leak sound, resulting in a not-so-immersive audio experience. Apple could use this event to appeal to audiophiles and music producers, like they’re doing for artists, designers, and creatives.
One iteration of the October event's invitation.
AirPods 2: The Time Has Come
It’s quite possible that the AirPods 2 will be announced at the end of October, but won’t make it to shelves until 2019. An analyst from Barclays with a mixed track record is expecting new AirPods early in 2019, reported 9to5Mac.
Apple is not stranger to announcing a product months or years in advance. Take the yet-to-be-released AirPower wireless charger and the soon-to-be-released iPhone XR as examples. Who’s to say they won’t do the same for the AirPods 2?
The Cupertino-based company could have “one more thing” for fans this time.
