Apple failed to launch the Apple AirPods in October 2016, as initially planned. A timely release of the Apple AirPods on Black Friday and Cyber Monday could have helped cement its status as the premiere truly wireless headphone. The company's delay is now opening the doors for competitors to introduce their own quality wireless products, posing a threat to the Apple AirPods eventual release in 2017.
Apple AirPods Delayed to Spring 2017?
Business Insider wrote that it is already too late for Apple to release the Apple AirPods in 2016. Instead, it should continue improving the product and launch it in spring 2017, about the same time that the company should feature redesigned iPads. Apple decided to postpone the launch of the Apple AirPods to address a number of detected bugs.
Apple was supposed to feature the wireless earphones shortly after the launch of the iPhone 7, which eliminated the headphone jack to introduce wireless as the future of audio. The company was supposed to market the Apple AirPods as the top accessory to match the iPhone 7.
Other Earphone Alternatives
9to5Mac stated that since the Apple AirPods are not releasing anytime soon, there are a number of wireless earphones that work excellently with the iPhone 7. The Apollo 7 by Erato, at $299, boasts of outstanding sound quality, four hours of battery life and a 300mAh charging case.
The Sol Republic Amps Air also offer great sound quality at $179. It provides about three hours of playtime and a charging case that can add 45 more on the go. The Skybuds, at $249, allow up to four hours of playtime and 24 hours more with the charging case.
In the meantime, the Apple AirPods' pre-production version had issues in its use, as well as bugs. Apple is expected to address these to ensure that they release a product that lives up to the hype of wireless audio. Apple may begin production in December 2016 at the earliest, and begin shipping out the Apple AirPods in January or February 2017.
Compared to other truly wireless earphones, the Apple AirPods still have the advantage of price and quality. More updates and details are expected soon.
