AirPods 3: Everything We Know So Far

[MacRumors]

October 18: Apple has announced the third-generation AirPods, available to order now ahead of an October 26 launch. This guide will be updated shortly.


Apple is working on a third-generation version of the AirPods, and for this updated version rumored to be launching in 2021, we could see some design changes for the first time since the AirPods came out in 2016. This guide covers everything that we know about the upcoming AirPods 3.

Design Updates

The third-generation AirPods may be updated with a design that's similar to the AirPods Pro, featuring a shorter stem and a body design that's more similar to the AirPods Pro. Some leaks have suggested the AirPods will have silicone tips, but others indicate that the earpiece design could be like the AirPods, without a tip.

The current AirPods​

While the AirPods 3 might look a lot like the AirPods Pro, they're not expected to get Pro-level features like Active Noise Cancellation and will be identical in overall function to the current AirPods.

Some rumors and leaked designs have indicated the AirPods 3 will have silicone ear tips like the AirPods Pro, but images that were shared in March by 52audio appear to depict a set of AirPods with an AirPods Pro-style design and no silicone ear tips.

Instead, the AirPods appear to be a hybrid between the AirPods and the AirPods Pro, offering an AirPods Pro look but with a body that fits into the ear without an ear tip.

The AirPods case that leaked also does not appear to have the space for silicone earbuds to be added.

Other leaked renders images, such as these that surfaced in February 2021, clearly have a design that suggests the AirPods 3 will indeed have silicone ear tips, so the ear tip status is unclear.

The AirPods in the leaked images feature a shorter stem, while the case is wider to accommodate the new design.

A set of renders said to be sourced from a "supplier" leaked in March, and these renders also feature a design without silicone ear tips.

It's worth noting that ahead of the AirPods Pro launch, many of the prototypes and leaks that we saw were shown without ear tips, so it's possible that's the case here, but it's also possible that the AirPods will have a tipless design.

Counterfeit "AirPods 3" have already begun being sold prior to the official product's announcement, featuring a design that is precisely in line with the previously leaked images.

New Internal Hardware

Apple is rumored to be working on a new wireless chip that could be included in the third-generation AirPods, and there could potentially be some improvements in battery life. A new wireless chip could bring extended range, but the AirPods 3 are expected to function like the current version with fast device switching and quick pairing with Apple devices, among other benefits.

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In more technical news, the AirPods 3 will feature a more compact integrated system-in-package (SiP) that's similar to the SiP used in the AirPods Pro. This will allow more of the audio features to be integrated into a smaller casing design like the AirPods Pro.

Sound quality is rumored to be similar to the second-generation AirPods, but there could be improvements to bass and the low-end range.

Battery Life

The third-generation AirPods could include a charging case that has a 20 percent larger battery compared to the second-generation AirPods, and with wireless charging as a standard feature. Individual batteries inside each AirPod are expected to be about the same.

Other Features

52audio, a site that shares rumors about headphones and earbuds, believes the AirPods 3 will feature the same pressure-relieving system that's used in the AirPods Pro. The system is meant to equalize pressure within the ear to mitigate discomfort from using the AirPods for a long period of time.

The AirPods 3 may also have the same touch controls as the AirPods Pro rather than the single and double-tap gestures available on current AirPods models.

Release Date

Apple is planning to hold a second fall event on Monday, October 18, which will be focused on new MacBooks. Though it has a Mac focus, the event is also expected to see the launch of the new AirPods.

Future AirPods

Future AirPods could include light sensors, which could be used for health monitoring features. DigiTimes has suggested the new sensors could be included in AirPods in one to two years, and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that future AirPods will include health-related functionality. Health monitoring features could let the AirPods monitor heart rate, step counts, and health conditions, as well as detect head movements.

Apple's vice president of technology Kevin Lynch in June 2021 said that Apple may one day build health sensors into the AirPods to provide users with additional health data. It's not clear when and if these if these health sensors will be coming to the AirPods.

Article Link: AirPods 3: Everything We Know So Far

 

[ralph_sws]

you know nothing 😆

 

[Serban55]

We dont care....because we know that what Apple will do with Airpods 3, samsung will follow like a copy cat BOSS

 

[Bazooka-joe]

Hopefully the new AirPods pros won’t be far behind. I just hope that there is a significant reliability improvement with the new pros

 

[nutmac]

Though the AirPods 3 might look like the AirPods Pro, they're not expected to get Pro-level features like Active Noise Cancellation and will instead be identical in overall function to the current AirPods.

I hope AirPods 3 will inherit 3 AirPods Pro features:

1. Optimize Battery Charging
2. Spatial Audio
3. Tap the charging case to activate the charging indicator light

And for hardware:

• Magnets compatible with MagSafe chargers
• More color choices
• No in-ear tips (those that prefer in-ear tips can get AirPods Pro)
• U1 for more precise Find My triangulation

 

[CHLFC]

Always on hands free "hey Siri" in Airpods 2 has been a real boon to me for accessibility reasons. I would like to see Apple extend the hands-free, hey Siri feature by enabling Siri to hang up a phone call hands-free with a "hey Siri hang up" or "hey Siri end call" command. This will be especially useful for accessibility and people with motor disabilities who cannot handle a iPhone and Apple Watch and touch the screen.

 

[LeonPro]

I hope they don't make it poke inside my ear and give me ear infection. I had to give away my AirPods Pro to my wife and revert back to my AirPods v2.

 

[braddick]

I know white is iconic Apple, yet I do wish there was a matte black option (like the iPhone 7 black).

 

[-DMN-]

AirPods are the most throwaway product Apple makes with severely depleted battery within the first 2yrs. Totally goes against the “We must save the planet or die mantra.”

 

[JosephAW]

Please keep it on ear.

 

[jz0309]

The one thing that Apple must fix, for me to even consider a new pair of AirPods, is fit. My AirPods fall out all the time, even when I'm sitting in my chair during a phone call, they get very loose and sometimes fall out.
And they will fall out 100% of the time when I walk ...
I love the concept, they are just not made for me, eh, my ears...

 

[jackietreeh0rn]

AirPods are the most throwaway product Apple makes with severely depleted battery within the first 2yrs. Totally goes against the “We must save the planet or die mantra.”

So much this. I don't see the point of being in a position where you have to buy new earphones every 2-3 years.

 

[JosephAW]

Stems need to contain the batteries and be user replaceable.

 

[locrumo]

The tws pro 4 is not so bad

 

[mikedop]

So have we heard anything about AirPods Pro 2? I had some of those Chinese New Year AirPods shipped to me but I still don’t know if I want to use them if there will be new pros in just a few months. I’ll just keep using my Gen 1s if the changes are worth jumping.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

So have we heard anything about AirPods Pro 2? I had some of those Chinese New Year AirPods shipped to me but I still don’t know if I want to use them if there will be new pros in just a few months. I’ll just keep using my Gen 1s if the changes are worth jumping.

Just rumours that they are due to be released in April with a revised case but no one knows what the actual pods look like yet.

 

[I7guy]

My OG AirPods are starting to get long in the tooth. I’ll be ready for a new pair when these are available for sale.

 

[techfreak23]

It would be nice if they introduced UWB with a newer wireless chip so that they could be precisely tracked in the Find My app.

 

[ouimetnick]

Why would they need to have a March event to announce these? Remember the 2nd gen AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and updated 2020 iPad Pro were all announced with a press release.

 

[McG2k1]

The Pros have taught me one thing: I have radically different size ear canals.

 

[Apple_Robert]

While I appreciate the price point the AirPods offer, I think the pros are a better value for those with other Apple devices besides the phone.

 

[one more]

I really like my AP2 and hope that AP3 will look similar to the last of the leaked images in this article, without any replaceable silicone tips. I have given APP a good try and they did not work well for my ears, so hopefully we will still have a model with an open design, not involving sticking something deep into the ear canals.

 

[soanis]

I'm expecting a round magsafe charging case for charging from the iphone 12 as well...

 

[Z400Racer37]

Replaceable batteries?

No?

K, bye. ✌🏼

 

[nitramluap]

Improved charging contacts would be welcome... or a warning that one bud is NOT charging when the other is so you’re not surprised when you head out to find one dead and the other fully charged, rendering them useless.