Tech fans eager to purchase Apple’s AirPods in the run up to Christmas may face a longer wait than expected as the wireless earphones currently have an estimated delivery date for early January in numerous major markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and France.
Stock for the AirPods is also thin on the ground in retail stores, with authorised resellers such as Walmart and Best Buy in the U.S. and other retail stores across the globe all running low on the tiny buds. Higher than expected demand can be attributed to the low price point of $150, which make the AirPods considerably more affordable for Apple tech and a must have stocking filler for 2017.
There is a chance that some stores may restock a small amount of units this week but consumers will have to arrive early to have any chance of securing them before Christmas Day. Most online pickup options currently offer a January 5th date for delivery.
This is not the first time that demand has outstripped supply for the AirPods, which launched just over a year ago, and Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed in the summer that there were plans to produce more to meet an expected surge in demand during the final months of the year.
“We have increased production capacity for AirPods and are working very hard to get them to customers as quickly as we can, but we are still not able to meet the strong level of demand,” Cook said back in August. However, ramping up production does not appear to have negated shortages for the festive period.
Apple still has a myriad of sub $200 gifts available for those looking to snap up a gadget or product for a friend or loved on this Christmas, including BeatsX, Apple Watch bands and an Apple TV 4K.