Apple’s New AirPods Reportedly Not Coming With Noise Cancellation

Previous reports said Cupertino tech giant Apple is planning on releasing a new pair of AirPods that features the same look as that of the AirPods Pro, but without the noise cancellation features that set the premium model from the cheaper variants. A report confirms this, and adds that the new audio accessory will be delayed.

A paywalled report from Taiwanese publication Digitimes reveals that Apple is planning on releasing a new “AirPods Pro” model in May this year, but is forced to delay it for some time due to the COVID-19 outbreak, MacRumors reported. This could very well be the “AirPods Pro Lite” previously reported or the third-generation AirPods.

Supply chain sources

The report claims that according to its sources, Apple might be forced to delay the launch of the new AirPods model to the second half of the year, or even up to next year due to COVID-19. It added that while this information didn't come from Apple itself, it came from supply chain sources who believe that the current health crisis is affecting the AirPods maker's plans.

“Apple originally planned to unveil the new AirPods Pro in May 2020, but the schedule may be pushed back, as Apple has been unable to send staff to the production lines in Asia to inspect the status of the TWS earbuds due to the coronavirus outbreak, the sources noted,” the Digitimes report said.

“But Apple so far has not yet made any adjustments to the earbuds' release schedule, the sources said,” the report added.

Digitimes added that the upcoming model doesn't have ANC. The removal of this feature from the new model allows Apple to give it a lower price point.

What to expect

Now, what should fans expect from the new AirPods model when it comes out? Here are some things

• No ANC

First, the new model won't have active noise cancellation. As mentioned, the removal of this feature will allow Apple to sell it for a lower price compared to the AirPods Pro. It's in-ear design, however, will give it some noise isolation properties.

• A cheaper price tag

Previous reports speculated that it could sell for $199, which makes it more expensive than the older AirPods models, but cheaper than the Pro model.