It's almost three months since Apple has unveiled AirPods, but the Cupertino company still hasn't started shipped the Siri-enabled wireless earphones to the general public, which was supposed to have already launched by the end of October.
Apple has formally delayed the AirPods in October behind a vague statement saying that it "needs more time." Apple has since failed to issue any official word on what caused dents in the planned October release.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the AirPods are currently having Bluetooth connectivity problems, adn a possibly product-breaking snag if left unfixed, since AirPods utilizes Bluetooth technology to function properly.
Traditionally, most wireless earphones receive only one signal from the paired phone via Bluetooth which earpiece receives and then transmit the signal to the other.
However, AirPods doesn't work this way. Apple said that each AirPods earpiece receives independent signals from the iDevices it's paired with. Before Apple can let AirPods loose, it must first ensure that both earpieces receive signals simultaneously, and it seems that the AirPods' seamless Bluetooth connectivity still hasn't been perfected yet.
Another potential problem which is adding in the delay of the AirPods is related to the seamless integration with Siri, which can only be executed if the AirPods successfully picks up a user voice in spite of surrounding audio disruptions or noise.
While staying in the Indoor, Bluetooth works well because the signal can be contained. But in the outdoors, it is a different conversation entirely. In sparse areas, Bluetooth signals have difficulty bouncing off objects, according to Nick Hunn, a Bluetooth expert.
In Apple's case, they want to make both earpieces receive the signal, and it seems that they are having some difficulty in ensuring that both earpieces receive the signal at same time to prevent the distortion. However a report from John Gruber claims that the delay is due to a manufacturing problem, not so much a design defect.
AirPods are still delayed and last we heard, it could be launched later this month. Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen, but it would be a pity for Apple to have missed the Black Friday/Thanksgiving/Cyber Monday sales, and the end of year Christmas sales as well.
The Apple AirPods, when released, will retail for $159.
