Supply Chain Prepares for New Apple Watch Models and Third-Generation AirPods - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Supply Chain Prepares for New Apple Watch Models and Third-Generation AirPods

Apple supplier ASE Technology is packaging core chips for at least two new Apple Watch models based on its system-in-package technology, and it will also incorporate the technology into third-generation AirPods, according to DigiTimes.

airpods pro opposite apple watch series 5
Earlier this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Debby Wu reported that the new Apple Watch lineup will include a successor to the Apple Watch Series 5 and a replacement for the Series 3 that will compete with lower-cost fitness trackers like Fitbits.

While new Apple Watch models are typically announced alongside new iPhones in September, rumors suggest that this year's Series 6 lineup might be unveiled in October. Rumored features include a new S6 processor for improved performance, expanded health capabilities like blood oxygen monitoring, and faster Wi-Fi and cellular speeds.

The report claims the third-generation AirPods will be released in 2021, lining up with a timeframe shared by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who expects a launch in the first half of the year specifically. There have been conflicting rumors as to whether these AirPods will sport the same design as the AirPods Pro, including in-ear tips and shorter stems below the ears.

Apple is rumored to have several other products in its pipeline, including a 10.8-inch iPad Air with an edge-to-edge display like the iPad Pro, a smaller HomePod, over-ear AirPods headphones, a new Apple TV, and item tracking AirTags. While some of these products will likely be released by the end of 2020, timing is less certain amid the global health crisis.

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, Apple Watch 11
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

crawfish963 Avatar
73 months ago
I might spring for a Series 6 to replace my Series 4. Waiting to see what the benefits to upgrading will truly be.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
73 months ago

Why would anyone upgrade the watch this year.
You obviously don’t follow the Apple Watch. The Series 6 Apple Watch is likely targeted for Series 3 owners to upgrade. Apple doesn’t expect every Series 5 owner to upgrade, it’s more like every-other -generation.


It's a watch, not a work machine.
What does this even mean? (You don’t need to answer that, I want to provoke thought that you actually take time to think about what you’re posting.) So I take it you don’t own an Apple Watch then? The Apple Watch is a multi tool, that is both the best of both worlds of being a communication device and health tracker, I realize that obvious, but you’re intentionally dismissing the watch for whatever reason.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GadgetBen Avatar
73 months ago
And a Glucose Monitor
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
QCassidy352 Avatar
73 months ago

Why would anyone upgrade the watch this year. Faster?? It's a watch, not a work machine.
Most upgrades (watch as well as other products) are not really targeted at the people who bought last year's model. There's very rarely a truly compelling year over year update.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarlJ Avatar
73 months ago

Maybe it will announce on Tuesday.
Of course it’ll announce on a Tuesday. It’s just a question of which one.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
73 months ago

Is it theoretically possible for future Apple Watch models to charge on the Qi system instead of Apple's special 2W watch charger?
I sure hope so. I can grow a stubbly beard waiting for my watch to fully charge.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)