Paul Morris·

Updated AirPods With Black Finish Incoming, Reports Say

Speculation is currently rife about Apple’s AirPods as well as the highly anticipated AirPower accessory. Now, to add to existing speculation, China-based Economic Daily News is reporting that Inventec is expecting an earnings boost due to the fact that the business is producing an upgraded version of AirPods on behalf of Apple.

This latest information comes after another outlet, MySmartPrice, started the chatter pertaining to Apple’s AirPods. Both of those outlets have suggested that the upgraded AirPods will be manufactured from a new material as far as the charging case and the earbuds are concerned.

No information has been provided on what that material is or what the rationale is behind the change, other than MySmartPrice describing it as “grippier”. Both are also suggesting that Apple will start offering AirPods with an additional black finish – as seen in the image above- rather than solely the white option which has been in the market for circa two years.

Neither publication has been able to cite knowingly reliable sources so it’s worth taking these rumors with a pinch of salt until someone with a proven pedigree puts their head above the parapet and confirms the change. However, if accurate, Inventec is expecting to receive a major first-quarter earnings boost on the back of the ramped up production.

What is also particularly interesting is that there does not appear to be any consensus on whether or not these AirPods would fall under the “second-generation” category that we have previously heard so much about. It has previously been reported that Apple’s new AirPods would come with “Hey, Siri” functionality, a new charging case capable of being charged wirelessly, as well as much improved water resistivity. None of the current reports focus on either of those areas, instead choosing to report that Apple will offer AirPods in a new color with new main material.

Many outlets have assumed that Apple will release the second-generation AirPods alongside the AirPower accessory which we have heard so much about but are yet to see come to fruition. This is because the new charging case would be capable of being charged wirelessly and would work in perfect harmony with the AirPower charging mat. Let’s hope that Apple’s March 25th event holds some gold as far as these two products are concerned.

(Source: Economic Daily News [Google Translate], MySmartPrice)

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