Leaker Casts Doubt on Third-Generation AirPods Launching Soon - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Leaker Casts Doubt on Third-Generation AirPods Launching Soon

While rumors have been floating around about third-generation AirPods launching as early as this month, a reliable leaker has suggested this will not be the case after all.

airpods 3 1
In a cryptic-as-usual message posted on his Weibo page today (via 9to5Mac), L0vetodream said there are "no AirPods" in his "dream." In a tweet shortly afterwards, he then suggested that the second-generation AirPods will not be discontinued yet. This comes after well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the third-generation AirPods will enter mass production in the second half of 2021, meaning a launch could be months away.

At this point, it's unclear if Apple will even be holding its rumored March 23 event, as it was generally expected that Apple would have announced the event by today at around 9 a.m. Pacific Time. Of course, Apple could choose to announce the event at a different time, or it could introduce new products with press releases as it did last March.

Apple has a handful of products rumored to be in the pipeline, including its long-awaited AirTags item trackers, a new iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display, new iPad and iPad mini models, and a new Apple TV. A redesigned iMac with Apple silicon is also expected to launch this year, but it's unclear if the computer is ready yet. 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon are not expected until the second half of 2021.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

airpods pro 3 blue

Apple Offers 10% Off AirPods and More for Earth Day Device Recycling

Thursday April 16, 2026 6:19 am PDT by
Apple is offering 10% off AirPods, Beats, or accessories to customers who recycle an eligible iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac at a participating Apple Store through May 16. The discount applies when the recycling and purchase are completed in the same transaction. The promotion runs from today, April 16, through to May 16. Products brought in for recycling undergo screenings, with eligible ...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...

Top Rated Comments

LeadingHeat Avatar
67 months ago

I would love new Apple TV, but I think fall release is more likely. I think given HomePod's demise, perhaps it needs to be reborn as HomeTV, with built-in microphones (Sound Recognition security) and camera (webcam and indoor security camera) to emphasis Home.
Or built in mesh networking, either as a router or an extender. Bring back AirPort!
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
67 months ago
My first generation AirPods get less than 15 minutes after three and a half years. As reluctant as I am to buy another pair of disposable ear phones for £160 I probably would have snapped them up if they were ready next week.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0-0 Avatar
67 months ago
Apple are really starting to throw off the leakers... no invites sent today for the rumoured 23rd event.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nutmac Avatar
67 months ago

At this point, it's unclear if Apple will even be holding its rumored March 23 event ('https://www.macrumors.com/2021/03/08/apple-event-march-23-kang/'), as it was generally expected that Apple would have announced the event by today at around 9 a.m. Pacific Time. Of course, Apple could choose to announce the event at a different time, or it could introduce new products with press releases as it did last March.
It will be just a press release, but probably more elaborate product video for new products like the AirTags.

New iPad models don't really warrant a press release, if it ends up being just better display, 5G, faster processor, and new color.

I would love new Apple TV, but I think fall release is more likely. I think given HomePod's demise, perhaps it needs to be reborn as HomeTV, with built-in microphones (Sound Recognition security) and camera (webcam and indoor security camera) to emphasis Home.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unity451 Avatar
67 months ago
I think they'll time the release to be just as everyone's non-replaceable rechargeable batteries begin failing.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bazooka-joe Avatar
67 months ago
Yep it looks as if the like of Prosser and Co have got it wrong.
All we have heard from fairly reliable sources is that iPads are ready to go, Airtags are ready to go, AirPods 3 are ready to go and there will be an event on the 23rd.
With one week to go, that’s all looking very unlikely now unless of course Apple release one or some of those products without an event.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Related Apple News: Mac Pro | M4 Ipad Air | Best Apple Deals | Local News | Turn Off User Profiles Screen Apple Tv