Staggering 12% of US consumers claim they will buy Apple’s AirPods; would be $3B revenue

A survey of U.S. consumers by Bank of America Merrill Lynch found that a staggering 12% of the population was planning to buy Apple’s new wireless AirPods when they go on sale next month. That would represent total revenue of $3B, reports Business Insider.

Purchase intention surveys tend to be optimistic, it being easier to say you’ll buy something than actually going out and handing over the $159, but even for intenders, that’s a huge number …

The bank noted that the AirPods were significantly more appealing to consumers than the Apple Watch Series 2. (Note that the Series 1 reference means first-generation, not the Series 1.)

“Only a small portion of respondents own the Watch Series 1 and only 8% of respondents intend to buy the Watch Series 2,” the analysts wrote in a note distributed to clients. 

The wireless, cord-free earbuds claim five hours of battery-life, with the case offering up to 24 hours of recharges while on the move. The form factor is very similar to Apple’s existing EarPods, and are likewise available only in white.

One of the key features of the AirPods is the inclusion of Apple’s new W1 chip for easier pairing with your iPhone, and that pairing propagating via the cloud to all your other Apple devices.

Early reviews of the AirPods said that they have weird looks, okay sound and really clever tech – but, unlike EarPods, don’t fall out of your ears.

10% believe they will lose them within a week.

— ArchitEER (@archit_eer) September 29, 2016