When a tech product starts to leak, like the recent Apple AirPods 3, it is usually a sign that a release date is imminent. However, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's much-rumored earbuds may still be months away.

In an investor note seen by MacRumors, Kuo said that Apple will not begin mass production of the AirPods 3 until Q3 2021. This suggests a much later release date than most previous leaks, including rumors that the AirPods 3 will appear at a major Apple event on March 23.

Kuo himself predicted last year that the AirPods 3 would be released in early 2021, but Apple's plans may have changed. Although Kuo is not an Apple employee, his word usually carries more weight than most leakers, as he has published many accurate reports on Apple products that were unreleased at the time.

Still, Q3 2021, or July to September, means that the AirPods 3 release date will be much later than expected. We have already seen several AirPods 3 photo leaks that suggest the new, AirPods Pro-inspired design is settling in. This includes a new photo shared by 52 Audio that matches the design with an earlier image leak.

Korean site The Elec also reported a likely launch in early 2021, and Twitter tipster @LeaksApplePro wrote that the AirPods 3 is "on track" for a March release date. And just last week, mysterious but often reliable leaker Kang posted on Chinese site Weibo that the AirPods 3 are "ready to ship."

Not all of these sources have a reliable track record, but @LeaksApplePro posted the most convincing photo leak to date, which was later corroborated by a 52 Audio photo. They also corroborated yet another Apple leaker, John Prosser, to report on an Apple event that may be held on March 23rd.The AirPods 3 will be part of the show, but since the wireless earphones are not scheduled to be produced until July at the earliest then this seems unlikely.

As with most leaks and rumors, we will have to wait and see. Regardless of the final release date, it will be interesting to see what Apple has planned for its next headphones. Most rumors suggest that the AirPods 3 will inherit design features and functionality from the premium AirPods Pro, but we have heard conflicting reports as to whether the new model will feature active noise cancellation and interchangeable in-ear tips.