Apple Delays Funky Wireless AirPods, October Launch Window Shattered

Apple originally expected to ship the AirPods this month, but with October now quickly coming to a close, Apple has confirmed that there has been a delay in getting the quirky gadget to customers. In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple explained:

The early response to AirPods has been incredible. We don’t believe in shipping a product before it’s ready, and we need a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers.

In other words, “We’ll ship it when it’s done.” The fact that Apple is encountering some last-minute issues with the AirPods isn’t too surprising given how much technology is packed into the tiny ear danglers. Each individual AirPod comes equipped with a custom, Apple-designed W1 chip and includes infrared sensors that are able to detect when they’re inserted into your ear. AirPods also include accelerometers and are responsive to touch gestures to invoke features like Siri.

The AirPods can provide up to five hours of listening on a single charge, while the wireless charging case can provide an additional 24 hours of battery life.

Interestingly, Apple introduced the AirPods in part to usher in a new wireless era for audio on the iPhone — now those that want to be on the bleeding edge with these $159 earpieces will have to wait a little bit longer. On the other hand, iPhone 7 users can always fallback on the included Lightning EarPods or use the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter with your favorite set of cans.

And for those of you who pre-ordered the AirPods, you might want to prepare to be the butt of many jokes once you get your hands ears on them: