New Report Alleges Apple Is Indeed Working on Wireless, Bluetooth ‘AirPods’

Way back in January of this year, we reported that Apple was currently in the process of developing some new “advanced wireless headphone technology” — which came to be known, at least within the Apple community, as ‘AirPods’. And while we haven’t heard anything more from the rumor mill about these mystical, Cupertino-branded wireless headphones in recent months, rumors have been swirling nonetheless — particularly as it’s become increasingly apparent that Apple did, in fact, opt to just cancel out the industry standard 3.5mm audio jack from its forthcoming iPhone.

If you don’t recall, it was originally thought that if Apple does, in fact, remove the 3.5mm jack, then the company should at least consider throwing in a set of ‘AirPods’ with each iPhone 7 purchase. Any why not, right? Apple went ahead and upended the industry as we know it — perhaps for a good reason, sure, but still — what about our headphones? If the forthcoming iPhone 7 (and beyond) won’t feature a 3.5 mm headphone jack, then how will we listen to our music?

Well, first of all, if other recent rumors turn out to be true, it would appear that Apple has already addressed that issue. But, in the worse case scenario, we think it’d only be appropriate that the company include one of those 3.5mm > Lightning adapters in the box.

Now, back to those ‘AirPods’ for just a minute..

What surfaced just this morning, believe it or not, appears to be yet another report stating that Apple’s wireless ‘AirPods’ are indeed in the process of being developed. The same report, ironically enough, states very matter-of-factly that the forthcoming device(s) will connect via Bluetooth, charge wirelessly, and that they will likely be released at a yet-to-be-determined time later on this year.

What exactly is entailed by “later on this year” remains still unknown, and we’re similarly waiting on pricing and availability information. However, it would only seem appropriate if these ‘AirPods’ were to touch down either alongside, right after, or better yet, prior to the launch of Apple’s iPhone 7.

In either case, though, there’s no doubt it would probably be in Apple’s best interest to release its ‘AirPods’ sooner rather than later — especially if the company is looking to capitalize on the transition to an era of Lightning-based/wireless audio on iPhone — and perhaps future generations of iPad and iPod Touch, too.

But we think Apple knows what it’s doing, either way, and that it won’t be too long until we catch another glimpse of these in action.

What do you think about Apple releasing its own self-branded ‘AirPods’ as an accessory upgrade? Let us know in the comments!

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]