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A new report says the long-rumored next-generation AirPods with a design similar to current AirPods Pro will go into production next month. That should see them announced along with this year’s iPhone lineup.
Speaking of which, the same report reiterates precedents that Apple will revert to its traditional September launch for all four models …
Nikkei Asia reports.
In addition to mixing its iPhone lineup, Apple has also prepared updated versions of other products for release in the second half of 2021 in hopes of exploiting an expected economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic. These include the MacBook Pros and a new version of the AirPods, the company’s popular wireless headphones, which will begin production next month.
Serial production of this year’s new iPhones is also set to begin in August, in line with Apple’s usual production schedule before the pandemic. Apple could produce up to 95 million units by the end of January, although sources have pointed out that these forecasts are subject to revision. For the full year 2021, Apple aims to build up to 230 million iPhones, including existing and new models, an 11% growth from last year, sources told Nikkei Asia.
It already seemed clear that this would be the last year for the iPhone mini. The iPhone 12 mini has reportedly seen disappointing sales as Apple cuts production, and we’ve heard several reports that it will be phased out from the lineup starting in 2022.
Nikkei echoed this, adding that Apple intends an updated version of the iPhone SE to replace it effectively, adding a faster processor and 5G capabilities.
All iPhones released next year will be 5G compatible, including Apple’s first redesign of its budget phone in two years, as the company seeks to increase sales of a product that still accounts for more than half of its income.
Apple will not introduce new 4G models next year, sources familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia, and will instead start selling a version of its cheapest handset – the popular iPhone SE – compatible with the communications standard. new generation.
The company will also not introduce an updated version of the iPhone Mini next year, after the high-end smartphone with a smaller screen failed to convince consumers, sources added.
The budget 5G iPhone is expected to hit the market as early as the first half of 2022, sources informed on the matter have said. It will be powered by Apple’s own A15 processor – the same chip that will go in this year’s premium iPhones – and its 5G connectivity will be enabled by Qualcomm’s X60 modem chip, they added.
This is sad news for fans of the iPhone 12 mini, as the SE is expected to stick with the iPhone 8-based form factor, with an LCD display and a large chin with Touch ID button.
On the next-gen AirPods side, you can see more of what we’ve come to expect in our AirPods 3 guide.
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