Tim Cook said Apple's AirPods could be released in time for Christmas

It's been a long wait for Apple's AirPods. Photo / Apple

During the launch of the iPhone 7 in September, Apple announced its wireless AirPods.

The highly-anticipated product was delayed beyond the expected October release date, with the tech giant saying it needed more time before its AirPods would be ready for release.

"The early response to AirPods has been incredible. We don't believe in shipping a product before it's ready, and we need a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers," a spokesman said.

Many suspected the AirPods might not be released until early 2017, but Apple chief executive Tim Cook has recently dispelled these rumours in an email obtained by MacRumors.

In an email to Mr Cook, a customer asked for a release date for the product.

"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 six months, because then I'll just buy some other wireless headphones."

This was quickly responded to by Cook, who gave a short but sweet answer.

"Thanks for your note. Sorry for the delay - we are finalising them, and I anticipate we will begin to ship over the next few weeks."

While MacRumors verified the email came from Apple's corporate servers, it did make note these can be faked.

Apple's website is still only listing the product as coming soon.

When released, the product will cost NZ$239.