Apple’s Wireless ‘AirPod’ Earbuds Rumored to Feature Custom Bluetooth Chip and Stellar Battery Life

Ever since it was all but confirmed that Apple decided to ditch the industry standard 3.5mm headphone jack on its forthcoming ‘iPhone 7’, rumors and speculation have run rampant as leaked information, pertaining to avenues that Apple could rectify its transition to an alternative audio source, has dominated headlines all over the web.

We’ve heard about those truly wireless ‘AirPods’ a few times before; and we’ve even seen a video suggesting that the company more than likely plans to include an updated set of Lightning-enabled EarPods with its iPhones from here on out.

According to a new report from Forbes, however, citing sources with extensive knowledge of Apple’s imminent plans, the Silicon Valley tech-giant might actually be working to develop its own, custom set of wireless ‘AirPods’ — boasting a highly efficient Bluetooth chip fabricated by the company, itself — presumably in an effort to create something that, as always, is a cut above the status quo.

Forbes indicated in its report that Apple has been working to develop its own custom Bluetooth chip for years now — one that would effectively solve the long-standing battery life issues that have historically plagued the majority of wireless Bluetooth headsets currently on the market.

“The low-power Bluetooth chip comes from technology developed by Passif Semiconductor, a startup Apple purchased in 2013. But the project has hit performance snags. Apple originally planned to launch the Bluetooth gadget in 2015, but Bluetooth performance issues stalled the release,” the source reported to Forbes.

“The way it works at Apple is if it doesn’t work 100%, it gets cut.”

The source also expressed to Forbes that, although Apple is currently trying to work out all the kinks with its custom Bluetooth chips, it still remains to be seen whether or not the debut iteration of the company’s wireless ‘AirPods’ will feature Apple’s custom chip, or a 3rd party chip.

In recent years, Apple has sought to increasingly reduce reliance on some of its 3rd party vendors, by creating custom designed chips that are not only some of the best money can buy, but are exclusive to the Cupertino-company’s mobile products. An iconic example would be the company’s ARM-based A-series silicon — which have been featured in iPhones and iPads since the A4’s debut on the original iPad back in 2010.

As far as these wireless ‘AirPods’ are concerned, though — it actually makes a pretty good amount of logistical sense if Apple were to create its own custom Bluetooth chips. Not only would doing that reduce the broader costs of having to source the component from a 3rd party vendor, but the move would also remove any supply chain constraints — while, at the same time, driving Apple’s penchant for developing world-class technology to new heights.

What do you think about Apple’s wireless ‘AirPods’? 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.]