Well-connected KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a note to investors about Apple’s rumored wireless “AirPods” ahead of the company’s iPhone event tomorrow, saying he expects Apple to have “its own-designed Bluetooth-like communication chip and launch own-brand Bluetooth headphones targeting the high-end market.” In a statement that echoes previous reports, Kuo said Apple’s own custom chip may deviate from Bluetooth specifications, providing the company with its own proprietary low-power wireless communications for home and auto accessories beyond headphones.
Kuo contends that going its own way lets Apple meet “higher requirements for power-saving, communication specs and potential rapid growth” than if it stuck with the current Bluetooth standards.
Kuo said he sees Apple including Lightning EarPods and Lightning-to-headphone adapters with its new iPhones, but predicts wireless headphones will become the default option for may iPhone users, with Apple-branded AirPods on the high end and a range of Beats headphone options spanning the middle of the market. He didn’t make any prediction as to the price of Apple AirPods. [via Apple Insider]
Report: Wireless Apple AirPods will use low-power alternative to Bluetooth
By Dan Pye
Dan Pye
Dan Pye was a news editor at iLounge. He's been involved with technology his whole life, and started writing about it in 2009. He's written about everything from iPhone and iPad cases to Apple TV accessories.