Apple says it needs 'more time' before releasing AirPods, won't say why

They say if you love something, let it go. But Apple is having a hard time setting free its infamous AirPods.

The company says it needs "a little more time" before it starts selling the new wireless ear buds, announced at the same time as the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The headphone jack-less models have been on sale since Sept. 16, but shoppers are going to have to wait a little while longer until they can replace that dongle adapter with an AirPod set up.

Apple had said the AirPods would go on sale in late October a.k.a. now. Not only has that date now been pulled back — the company isn't saying when they'll be released, or why it needs more time, according to the Associated Press. 

SEE ALSO: These earrings might stop you from losing your Airpods

Back in September, Apple CEO Tim Cook talked up the design benefits and functionality of the new AirPods to consumers on Good Morning America, saying "I've been wearing them [AirPods] for a while." 

"And because they don't have wires on them … The wires tend to help the earbud to fall out, because it applies weight on those. By snipping the wires, I have never personally had one [AirPod] fall out."  

Similarly, the brand's senior vice president of marketing Phil Schiller swore the new design would be a "magical experience" for consumers at the launch, saying "It makes no sense to tether ourselves with cables to our mobile devices," and adding that it took "courage" for Apple to "move on to do something that betters all of us." 

Well, hand it over then mate! 

Until the AirPods are released, the jury will still largely be out on just how stable the ear buds are.

For die-hard fans of the product, the delayed release also means delayed gratification and opportunities to gloat.

In the meantime, you can still listen to audio on the new iPhones by using other wireless headsets or plugging into the phone's charging port, although older headsets may need a plug adapter. 

Associated Press contributed reporting.