The global market for TWS (true wireless stereo) hearables saw tepid quarter-over-quarter growth in quarter two (Q2) OF 2021, as typically strong spring sales waned across the US and Asia ex-China markets, resulting in overall unit sales and value rising by only 1% and 9%, respectively, according to Counterpoint Research. And the news is disappointing for Apple.
About the report
On a year-over-year basis, although the TWS market enjoyed 27% growth compared with 2020’s COVID impacted Q2, the rankings saw few new developments, although significant change did arise in terms of market share, notes Counterpoint Research.
“Apple lost considerable share in both sales volume and value despite big price drops on the AirPods, but the company is unlikely to be too worried,” says senior analyst Liz Lee, who oversees TWS hearables research at Counterpoint. “I think the third generation AirPods expected next month could be a massive hit. It’s been so long since we’ve seen a new release, and if you factor in some attractive pricing, it’s very possible the AirPods 3 could push overall sales for Apple TWS hearables past 80m for the year.”
About the AirPods 3
The third generation of the AirPods are expected to arrive along with the iPhone 13 later this month or in October. The “AirPods 3” are expected to look pretty much the same as the current version, but with a shortened stem, adjusted earbud body and an AirPods Pro-style charging case.
No word on when an update to the AirPods Pro might arrive, though September/October is also possible for them. The AirPods Pro 2 will reportedly have a round design and eliminate the short stem that currently sticks out from the bottom.
