Apple may not bring next-generation AirPods with iPhone 17 series: Report
Apple may not launch the next-generation AirPods Pro until 2026, according to a new report by Jeff Pu, an analyst at GF Securities in Hong Kong. This update seems to contradict previous reports that suggested a much earlier launch, possibly in late 2025. Earlier this year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed that Apple was preparing to launch new AirPods with heart rate tracking 'in a few months'. While he did not reveal a launch month, but the report pointed to a late 2025 release. Code hints of AirPods Pro 3 were also found in the iOS 26 beta by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, adding to speculation.
However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now claims that major AirPods updates may not arrive until 2026, when models with infrared (IR) cameras are expected to begin mass production. It remains unclear if Kuo was referring to the standard AirPods or the Pro version. If true, it means that the next-generation AirPods may not launch alongside iPhone 17 series.
Jeff Pu's product roadmap shows Apple focusing on other devices in 2025. He expects the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 to launch later this year. He also predicts Apple will release a new HomePad tablet, though no date was given.
Past trends point to iPhone event launch of AirPods
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In
IC Markets
Learn More
Undo
Having said that Apple usually announces big AirPods upgrades alongside new iPhones, often during its September events. For example, the AirPods Pro 2 launched in September 2022, and if the Pro 3 arrives in 2026, it would mark a four-year gap between generations.
AirPods Pro 3 what to expect
Apple AirPods Pro 3
are expected to bring big improvements like better active noise cancellation along with new health features like heart rate tracking. These features are similar to what Apple recently added to the new Powerbeats Pro 2. The most recent update to the AirPods Pro line was a USB-C charging case in 2023.
LAVA SHARK 5G: 5 reasons to buy!
AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
TCS to axe 12,000 jobs; IT giant's biggest layoff ever
TCS to axe 12,000 jobs; IT giant's biggest layoff ever BENGALURU/MUMBAI: In what will be its biggest layoff to date, India's largest IT services company and Tata Group's most-profitable unit, TCS, will axe 12,261 jobs, which is approximately 2% of its workforce as AI-led disruptions and macro uncertainties affect business demand. TCS, chaired by N Chandrasekaran, had just over 6.1 lakh employees worldwide as of June. The company has been periodically restructuring its workforce in response to changing business dynamics and other factors. In FY15, it eliminated more than 3,000 jobs, representing about 1% of its total employee count. The latest job cuts will primarily affect mid-level and senior executives. This move marks one of the company's most significant strategic shifts: embracing AI, and letting go of employees who cannot be redeployed within the firm. The workforce reduction — long considered rare in the industry — underscores the tough demand environment, especially in the absence of large deals like BSNL. Industry observers see this as an early sign of a broader shift, where rising reliance on automation and margin pressures are driving companies to reduce employee costs. TCS said the restructuring initiative is aimed at transforming the company into a future-ready organisation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Price May Surprise You) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo 'This includes strategic initiatives on multiple fronts, and while these changes are necessary for our growth and evolution, we understand the impact on our colleagues. We thank them for their service and are committed to supporting them through this transition,' TCS CEO K Krithivasan said in an email to employees. Phil Fersht, CEO of HfS Research, said the impact of AI is eating into the people-heavy services model and forcing the large providers to rebalance their workforces to maintain their margins and stay price competitive in a cut-throat market where clients are demanding 20-30% price reductions on deals. Other Tata Group entities, such as Tata Steel and Tata Motors, have also been cutting jobs periodically to lower costs and enhance profitability. In 2019, Tata Steel eliminated 3,000 jobs in its European operations. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
BYD runs India remotely as China tensions shut out top brass
China's BYD Co. is forging ahead with its attempts to expand in India despite roadblocks from the government that are preventing the electric vehicle maker from conducting key business dealings there. Like most Chinese companies, BYD has been unable to obtain visas for executives after a deadly clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers along a disputed Himalayan border in 2020 sparked a major deterioration in political ties. That's seen the EV giant resort to holding board meetings and high-level business interactions in Colombo in Sri Lanka and Kathmandu in Nepal, and even as far away as Singapore, according to people familiar with the matter. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Healthcare Design Thinking CXO healthcare Management PGDM Data Analytics Technology MCA Public Policy Degree Data Science MBA Operations Management Finance Others Leadership Cybersecurity Product Management Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence Data Science Project Management others Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details Ketsu Zhang, BYD's managing director for India, has been unable to obtain a work permit since he left the EV maker's local base in Chennai, despite government efforts to facilitate his travel, said the people, who asked not to be identified because they're not authorized to speak publicly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kalimanggis: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Zhang worked from the carmaker's headquarters in Shenzhen in 2021 before moving to Tokyo this year, they said. From Japan, he oversees Asian markets including India, the people said. Also Read: Chinese carmaker BYD launches smartphone-car connectivity feature Live Events An on-the-ground presence is particularly important for manufacturers, given the need for quick decision making, addressing productivity issues and establishing community ties. Cold Shoulder The cold shoulder is mutual. As recently as March, travel restrictions were still being wielded in the political spat. That month, an Indian contingent wanting to visit a major meeting of BYD car dealers in Shenzhen had to be scaled down after the majority of participants, including the company's employees based in India, were unable to obtain visas, a person familiar with the matter said. A representative for BYD in India declined to comment. Despite the operational difficulties, BYD has proved popular with Indian drivers — sales in the first half of this year are nearly touching the total units sold in 2024. Also Read: Tesla's long-awaited India debut bets on luxury vehicle buyers Indian officials have been clear they won't welcome investment from the carmaker — Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said earlier this year that it's a 'no' to BYD due to caution around the nation's strategic interests. India has already rejected BYD's $1 billion plan to build a plant in partnership with a local company. This leaves the Chinese firm unable to qualify for reduced tariffs on imported EVs in exchange for establishing a substantial manufacturing presence in India. The freeze contrasts with the experience of Tesla Inc. Its Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US earlier this year. The US carmaker opened its first showrooms in India this month, with deliveries set to begin as early as August. Tesla doesn't have plans to establish local manufacturing, meaning it faces import taxes of as much as 110% for fully-assembled vehicles. Expanding overseas is critical for BYD, which risks missing its target to sell 5.5 million cars this year as demand in China stagnates and it draws the ire of Beijing following rounds of heavy price discounting. But without the ability to invest in manufacturing in India, BYD relies on its assembly plant in the southern city of Chennai, which has annual capacity of 10,000 to 15,000 units, to meet Indian demand. Hefty Duties The company also imports most cars it sells in India, but hefty duties — aimed at shielding domestic firms — effectively double the cost of a vehicle and India restricts volumes unless a model has received a local roadworthiness certificate. While tensions between China and India are thawing, it's unclear whether curbs on professional visas will be lifted or if BYD will ever be welcomed with open arms. Still, there are tentative signs of progress. Earlier this month, India allowed Chinese nationals to apply for tourist visas again.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Samsung's FY26 Q1 exports fall 20% as PLI benefits end; Apple, Dixon may be next
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Disability with Vietnam, China Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: Samsung's exports of smartphones slumped by almost a fifth year-on-year in the first quarter of FY26, likely because the South Korean major is no longer eligible for benefits under the smartphone production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme since to industry executives, without the PLI incentives, Samsung may have lost export competitiveness and thus recalibrated its export plans. And the same could happen to Apple and Dixon Technologies - two other major beneficiaries of the scheme - after March 2026."The combined effect of all three - who have been the flagbearers of the PLI scheme and local manufacturing and exports - has the potential to derail India's bid to become a smartphone manufacturing hub for global markets," an industry executive said, asking not to be identified. Samsung exported smartphones worth about $950 million in the June quarter, according to industry is down from $1.17 billion a year earlier and $1.2 billion in the smartphone PLI, India suffers a manufacturing cost differential, or disability, of 10% compared with Vietnam, and 15% with China, experts with PLI benefits of 4-6%, there was some disability, but still, brands and manufacturers were diversifying production and increasing exports from India considering the geopolitical situation, they said. Not being able to compete against the likes of China and Vietnam would be disastrous at a time all three countries are trying to get a favourable trade deal with the US, and more companies are examining a China+1 strategy amid continuing geopolitical tensions, experts industry has been sounding out the government for an extension of the smartphone PLI scheme beyond FY26 to sustain the momentum of growing exports, which zoomed to $24.1 billion in FY25, from just $200 million in the government does accept the competitive disadvantage without the scheme incentives, it is yet to take a call on an extension. 'The scheme tenure was fixed, and we have to see the legalities if it can be extended or not. But we do intend to support the industry,' an official told ET on condition of recently launched a ₹22,919-crore components incentive scheme to build on the success of the smartphone PLI scheme and increase local value this latest initiative could suffer if manufacturers back off on further investments in local production owing to disabilities compared to competing geographies, experts the PLI years, Samsung increased smartphone exports from India to $4.4 billion in FY25, from $1.2 billion in company is seeking incentives under the scheme in the current fiscal in lieu of the second year, when it did not get them as it failed to meet the targets. People familiar with the matter said Samsung faced Covid-related issues in the second year of the scheme, that is, electronics major's argument is that if other PLI applicants could get an extension owing to Covid restrictions, it, too, should be given a year more, industry executives said.A query sent to Samsung regarding drop in exports in the first quarter of FY26 remained unanswered at the time of going to was the only company to meet PLI targets and avail incentives for the first year of the scheme – FY21. It had selected FY21-FY25 for its five-year PLI as it was already present in the country and could utilise the existing brownfield operations. Apple and others had to build factories and, due to Covid restrictions, they failed to complete the operations on time and sought a year's extension under the force majeure clause. The government agreed and extended the scheme tenure to six years – till FY26 – with a condition that companies can seek incentives for any five consecutive years of their choice within the time has been the flagbearer of smartphone exports, followed by Samsung and Dixon, which manufacturers devices for Google, Motorola and Xiaomi, among others.
