Here’s Why Apple’s Wireless AirPods Earbuds Won’t Launch This October

It’s already “late October” and it’s the period Apple is expected to launch its wireless earbuds called the AirPods. The entirely wireless earbuds were showcased during the Cupertino giant’s launch event for its new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models. Since the device was first advertised, it caught the attention of many consumers. Unfortunately, expectant customers should wait a little more before they can get their own pair.

This Wednesday, Apple announced the disappointing news that its AirPods will not be released before the month of October ends. The Cupertino giant revealed that it has intentionally delayed the launch of its wireless earbuds to ensure that their quality and performance match the expectations of customers.

“The early response to AirPods has been incredible. We don’t believe in shipping a product before it’s ready, and we need a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers,” an Apple spokesperson relayed the sad news to TechCrunch.

The spokesperson did not share more details about the AirPods, so it isn’t clear if the delay is due to hardware problems or software bugs. GSM Arena reports Apple has yet to reveal a new timeline for the release of the AirPods, but it is quite likely for the earbuds to arrive this November.

TechCrunch’s Matthew Panzarino infers that it’s possible that Apple is having a hard time manufacturing the bespoke W1 wireless chip for its brand new audio hardware. If this is indeed the case, it is very important for Apple to launch its AirPods right because expectations are high given that the company itself has claimed that wireless audio is the future of its iPhones.

Apple’s announcement that it is delaying the AirPods comes after the company made its Powerbeats3 workout headphones available for purchase. As per AppleInsider, the Cupertino giant started taking orders for the headphones this Tuesday and the first deliveries are expected to arrive next week. The Powerbeats3 retails for $199.95. On the other hand, when the AirPods starts shipping, it will sell for $159.