According to a report posted on Economic Daily News, a Taiwanese business site, Apple is getting ready to launch the redesigned MacBooks and AirPods in the second half of 2021.
In the report, a MacBook and AirPod components supplier is increasing its workforce to ensure it can meet increased demand from Apple. As MacRumors notes, while there is no comment on the Economic Daily News regarding what products the components are for, "it’s highly likely that it refers to redesigned MacBook Pro models featuring Apple Silicon and third-generation AirPods."
Adding to the legitimacy of this report is a paywalled report from DigiTimes, picked up by MacRumors. This article reveals that mini-LED production is increasing and that a launch window of the third quarter is all but confirmed. There is no mention of the new AirPods in this report, however.
The redesigned MacBook
Rumours around the new MacBook Pro have the industry-leading laptop jumping from 13-inches to 14-inches. A 16-inch version of the MacBook Pro is also slated to be launching, as usual. They are likely to be available in several colours and with a more angular body design, as is the MacBook Air. At the WWDC on 7 June, we saw a reveal of iOS 15 and macOS Monterey, which are also likely feature on the new MacBooks.
Both the Air and the Pro are rumoured to be receiving the next iteration of the Apple M1 chip. There are also likely to be updated USB ports and charging support.
Thrid-gen AirPods
There’s little that can be considered certain with the new AirPods. Speculation and logic suggest that they will feature an updated physical design, similar to the AirPod Pros. It’s fair to assume that battery life, wireless chip and case will be in for improvement, too. Other than that, we are in the dark.
It’s unlikely that something revolutionary will be included with the AirPods, as Apple will be keen to keep a clear line of delineation between the standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro.