Apple AirPods finally coming in the next few weeks

Impatient iPhone 7 owners will be able to purchase a pair of AirPods hopefully before the end of this month according to an email from Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Allen Ngo, 12/08/2016

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Apple officially revealed the AirPods on the same day as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, yet the wireless earbuds are not yet available for general consumers to purchase. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the AirPods are now ready to ship in the coming weeks after being delayed from the initial October launch time frame. Cook also apologized for the delay and for not quickly announcing a revised ship date for its user base.

While it's good to know that the AirPods are on their way, Newsweek claims it's still possible that Apple may still miss the all-important Christmas shopping season. The source criticizes Apple even further saying it was a mistake to announce the AirPods in the first place without a clear delivery date for its customers. The fact that the iPhone 7 lacks a traditional 3.5 mm headphone jack puts even more pressure on the performance and availability of the wireless earphones.

A few competitors have already beaten Apple to the market with their own Bluetooth earbuds. The Sony Xperia Ear, for example, is expected to launch this month in the U.S. without any delays from the manufacturer.