AirPods Shipping Estimates Improve to 2 to 3 Weeks

Shipping estimates for Apple's AirPods have improved to two to three weeks in many countries around the world, suggesting Apple is one step closer to achieving supply/demand balance for the much-desired earphones.

airpodstwotothreeweeks 1
Since the AirPods launched in December, stock has been in short supply. For many weeks, AirPods shipping estimates were at six weeks, but stock improved enough in early August that shipping estimates dropped to four weeks.

At the new 2 to 3 week estimate, customers can expect to receive AirPods ordered today in early September.

During Apple's third quarter earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook said AirPods capacity had been bumped up and that the company was "working very hard" to get AirPods to customers as quickly as possible.

While Apple's own stock has been in flux online, Apple retail stores have occasionally received stock and third-party retailers like Best Buy have been able to offer AirPods with quicker shipping on a regular basis.

Priced at $159, the wire-free AirPods have become a popular accessory largely due to Apple's W1 chip, which significantly improves the Bluetooth connection and facilitates simple and quick transfers between different devices. The AirPods are also equipped with infrared sensors to detect when they're in the ear, and they support touch-based gestures to activate Siri and perform other tasks.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

Top Rated Comments

WilliamG Avatar
110 months ago
Anyone think we'll see AirPods 2 next month?
I'd say precisely 0.0% chance.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dhoughal Avatar
110 months ago
Best piece of hardware I bought in years.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
110 months ago
Also, I'm not sure Apple would make any profit at $99. I know that will be poo-pooed by many, but there's actually a fair amount of technology in the AirPods and case.
And I believe a $169.00 price tag is not an unfair asking price in my opinion. The battery life, seamless technology with the W1 chip and pairing, decent audio quality and they are well made. Other competitors are significantly more expensive than the Airpods.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
citysnaps Avatar
110 months ago
Anybody use them for making phone calls? How is the quality?
The reason I purchased mine months ago was on the recommendation of another forum member (MH01) and that they worked great on phone calls.

After using mine for 6-7 months I can confirm that's the case. It makes speaking on my iPhone actually enjoyable. Sound quality is excellent in both directions. And being hands-free using my iPhone is killer. If I should lose mine (I won't), I'll quickly purchase another pair. And they stay securely in my ears in a variety of situations, including gym workouts.

AirPods are one of Apple's best products.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnyb Avatar
110 months ago
I’d really like some in-ear AirPods. I love mine, but I’d love a pair with some noise isolation for wearing on the train. They could be exactly the same tech; they’re great as they are.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WilliamG Avatar
110 months ago
I like the backup battery system for them, too. It accomplishes two things:

1.) Gives the AirPods 100x battery life.

2.) If they keep falling out, this helps pump them back up so they maintain a snug fit in the ear.

https://www.target.com/p/penn-plax-air-pod-battery-back-up-air-pump/-/A-16707788#lnk=sametab
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)