Apple may not be including a pair of wired EarPods in the box alongside the upcoming iPhone 12. The company may be readying itself for a transition phase which will capitalize on driving sales towards its wireless AirPods. Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes this will be coupled by an AirPods promotion, introduced later in 2020.
According to MacRumors‘ report, Kuo, who issued a TF International Securities research note to investors, predicts that Apple is stepping away from including its wired EarPods. Apple has offered a pair of headphones in with its smartphone devices ever since 2007 with the original iPhone.
In addition, the research note highlighted the fact that AirPod shipments will likely be decreased by 29 percent in the second quarter due to the effects of COVID-19. As the demand for Apple’s wireless headphones increases throughout the quarter, Kuo expects Apple to introduce a promotion for the product in the third quarter of 2020. Kuo also predicts that by the second half of 2020, AirPod shipments will bounce back to reach a total of 93.8 million pairs shipped between the base model and the AirPods Pro.
In April, Kuo’s research notes claimed that Apple is working on third-generation AirPods for release in 2021. Kuo claims that it will not sport any external changes and will maintain the AirPod design seen in today’s models. While rumours surround the possibility of a new pair releasing in 2020, Kuo believes Apple is more likely to make an addition to the Beats lineup this year.
