Report: Apple AirPods to ship over 'next few weeks,' according to Tim Cook
An upset customer emailed Apple CEO Tim Cook asking for more definitive timeline than the "coming soon" tag on Apple's website, and Cook replied.
MacRumors claims to have verified the email headers are indeed from Apple (though it cautions, and rightfully so, that emails can be faked).
In a reply, Cook apologized for the delay and assured the customer he expects AirPods to begin shipping in the "next few weeks."
The full exchange from MacRumors is below:
Customer's comment: "Give us a release date. I really bought in to the wireless vision you painted. Now I'm stuck waiting with my EarPods but can't charge my 7 at the same time which I need to do at work. Let us know if it's a month or 6 months, because then I'll just buy some other wireless headphones."
Tim Cook's response: "Thanks for your note. Sorry for the delay---we are finalizing them and I anticipate we will begin to ship over the next few weeks."
iPhone 7 Plus review
The completely wireless earbuds were first announced in September, alongside the iPhone 7. As referred to by the customer in the email, Apple spent a lot of time touting wireless headphones as a key selling point during the iPhone of the company's latest iPhone during the event -- and as a justification for removing the headphone jack.
The $169 AirPods were first slated to launch in late October, but they were delayed after Apple stated it needed "a little more time" to finalize the product.
If you'd rather not wait, watch this video for five noteworthy AirPod alternatives.
ZDNet has contacted Apple to verify the email exchange is real and for more information regarding an AirPods release date. We will update this story when we receive a response.