Source: iMore
What you need to know
- A report suggests supply chains are gearing up for a resurgence in AirPods demand.
- They expect momentum to gather through 2Q20.
- Volumes won't match the peak of demand in 2019.
A DigiTimes report claims that supply chains are gearing up for a rebound in AirPods sales in the second quarter of 2020.
The report notes:
AirPods shipments have started gaining momentum through second-quarter 2020 volumes may still be unable to match the peak season levels of 2019, according to industry sources.
Demand may be rebounding in the second quarter, but it remains to be seen whether the momentum will be as strong in the second half of the year, the sources noted.
The report claims that AirPods production is still currently high, despite delays to some components. Sources say they expect "the supply chain of the AirPods to return to normal operations in the near future", and that AirPods annual shipments is expected to rise by double-digit growth this year.
Just a couple of days ago, it was reported that Apple might be planning to release new AirPods as early as next month, possibly alongside the MacBook Pro next month. In contrast, Apple's rumored new AirPods Pro, possibly called the AirPods X, have reportedly been delayed until next year.
Apple's AirPods continue to be a driving force behind its meteoric wearables growth. Apple reportedly shipped over 40 million units of wearables in Q4 of 2019. The wearables umbrella includes AirPods, as well as Apple Watch and its Beats lineup. Before the coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of Apple's retail operation worldwide, Counterpoint Research estimated that Apple might sell more than 100M units of true wireless hearables this year, a figure Apple is likely to fall short of.

Apple Store employees in the United States must now wear masks
Apple has reportedly told employees at its United States Apple Stores that they must once again wear masks when at work, although the company has stopped short of requiring that customers also wear face coverings.

Apple's mixed reality headset could have an external screen
Rumors of Apple working on some kind of mixed reality headset are far from fresh but a new report has shared more information about how the project has struggled to ship a product. According to that report, and to deal with concerns from people on the team, Apple may be putting an external display on the headset so that people can see what you look like.

Leaked iPhone 14 cases show Pro models' insanely huge camera bumps
Apple is roundly expected to announce a new iPhone 14 lineup later this year and a new leak claims to show some of the cases that are being built for those new handsets. And as we've been expecting, they show the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max devices will both come with massive camera bumps.

Protect your AirPods charging case... with a case!
Your AirPods case is the perfect protection for your AirPods, but who protects the protectors? We've rounded up a cool collection of cases for your precious buds, with a style and on a budget to suit everyone.