Kuo: AirPods 3 to Launch in First Half of 2021 With Similar Design as AirPods Pro

[MacRumors]

Apple plans to launch third-generation AirPods with a form factor design "similar to AirPods Pro" in the first half of 2021, according to the latest research note from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, obtained by MacRumors.

Introduced in November 2019, the AirPods Pro feature an in-ear design with three sizes of soft, flexible silicone tips included in the box, along with shorter stems below the ear. AirPods Pro also have several upgraded features over regular AirPods, including active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and water and sweat resistance.

The current AirPods lineup includes second-generation AirPods with a wired charging case for $159, second-generation AirPods with a wireless charging case for $199, and AirPods Pro with a wireless charging case for $249.

Kuo also reiterated that iPhone 12 models will not include EarPods in the box, which he believes will help boost AirPods shipments into 2021. He also expects AirPods shipments to benefit from some kind of promotion program launching in the second half of 2020 — perhaps allowing customers to purchase AirPods at a discount alongside the iPhone 12?

Article Link: Kuo: AirPods 3 to Launch in First Half of 2021 With Similar Design as AirPods Pro

 

[Eriamjh1138@DAN]

I'm on my second pair of airpods and the first are garbage after 2 years. Battery life has gone down the drain.

Not sure I'm so interested in spending $150 every 2 years for them.

 

[480951]

I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.

 

[KrisLord]

I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.

I agree, I don’t get the logic of moving to the pro design.
I got the pro for my birthday and they’re good quite a different experience to the normal AirPods.

I was flying regularly when I expressed an interest in the pros to my wife whereas now I’m stuck WFH where there’s far less need for ANC.

I find wearing both pros and holding a call rather off putting as your voice sounds odd (to yourself, not others on the call)

 

[jezbd1997]

I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.

I agree, I only have the 2nd gen and I’ve heard people still prefer the regular ones over the pro in comfort. I’ve tried in ear headphones before and while audio quality is better (expected) there’s compromises

 

[itsmilo]

I agree, I only have the 2nd gen and I’ve heard people still prefer the regular ones over the pro in comfort. I’ve tried in ear headphones before and while audio quality is better (expected) there’s compromises

i can agree with that. I have the first gen Air Pods and also the Pro and I wore the 1st gen for the first time in forever recently and I was like DAMN it really feels you have nothing in your ears, while I have to keep re-adjusting my IN EAR AirPods all the time ironically. Also the Bass was a lot more noticeable. I was almost like shoot, why did I even buy the Pro lol

 

[Wahlstrm]

I had the 1st version for about 2 years or so before I broke them while trying to clean them.
Bought the PRO´s and if I ever buy AirPods again I will buy the non PRO. I liked it a lot better.
The ANC on the PRO´s are more or less "just on paper" and main point of AirPods is the ease of use.
The PRO´s have never felt as easy and effortless to use as to standard version.

 

[profets]

Another +1 to the original design from me. I use both - pros for running/cycling and flying, and regular AirPods for casual use, phone calls, etc.

Love them both, but still find the original to be more comfortable. Would hate if the regular AirPods follow the same sealed in ear design.

 

[hsotnicam8002]

I like the sound and noise cancelling on the Pros better but for nighttime in bed I find the 1st Gen much more comfortable and they don't get sound blocked on the pillow side.

 

[timber]

I'm on my second pair of airpods and the first are garbage after 2 years. Battery life has gone down the drain.

Not sure I'm so interested in spending $150 every 2 years for them.

It was pretty obvious that was the plan all along.

 

[rmoliv]

So there won’t be any AirPods Pro “Lite” as previously rumored? Rumors come and go like I change my shirt...

 

[jezbd1997]

i can agree with that. I have the first gen Air Pods and also the Pro and I wore the 1st gen for the first time in forever recently and I was like DAMN it really feels you have nothing in your ears, while I have to keep re-adjusting my IN EAR AirPods all the time ironically. Also the Bass was a lot more noticeable. I was almost like shoot, why did I even buy the Pro lol

Yeah that’s it!
And really, as in the bass is better on the older ones? Interesting, that would be why I’d look at getting the pros but doubt I would need them after hearing that

 

[DJTaurus]

Please apple don’t add silicone tips to the AirPods. The simplicity of them is the real deal. I feel like wearing nothing in comparison to the bulkier pros which i sold them after one day of trying them.

 

[pcdtech]

I hope there are some physical differences between the two models. I returned the AirPods Pro as I found them uncomfortable to wear, and have been gladly using the AirPods 2 with wireless charging case.

 

[iReality85]

I've always enjoyed my AirPods, and everyone I know that has them also loves them. It's funny looking back at the whole audio jack debate. Wired headphones seem so antiquated for use with phones now.

I've never been a fan of in-ear, rubber tipped earpods. I don't like the feel, and I also don't like being aurally cut off from my surroundings. It's a safety/awareness thing for me. I'd like to see Apple use the non-pro design but with a shorter cylinder and a textured surface on the ear-facing side for better grip.

 

[SuperCachetes]

I find wearing both pros and holding a call rather off putting as your voice sounds odd (to yourself, not others on the call)

Have you tried switching to transparency mode? Seems to work better for me - that’s the only way I can bear to use mine for calls.

All in all, put me down for another vote to keep at least one model with the EarPod design. My original AirPods fit great, and I have run hundreds of miles with them, without fear of losing them. OTOH, while my Pros sound much better and have tremendously effective ANC - I can’t move without having to adjust them. Walking, chewing, talking... any of those actions work the AirPod Pros out of my ears, and I have to re-seat them to get a decent seal.

 

[mattopotamus]

I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.

I hope they keep the OG design, I cannot do the tips.

 

[RammyXX]

What's the appeal of AirPods? Is it only because they are wireless, or do they sound significantly better than EarPods? I just don't understand why I should fork out $159 (or $249 for Pro). The price seems ridiculous for wirelesss EarPods.

 

[Kabeyun]

I’d really like black ones. I go through a hope/disappointment cycle every time a new AirPods version comes out. Happening again now.

 

[Glideslope]

Should be interesting to see the “redesigned Hardware” from the flawed Gen 1 so many are stuck with. 😘

 

[the future]

I would bet that „similar design“ refers to the shorter stems, not the in-ear silicone tips.

 

[Breaking Good]

I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both)...

Was there any indication in the article that Apple would discontinue the open ear, original form factor? If so, I missed it.

The only thing I saw was that Apple would discontinue shipping a pair of EarPods in the box with the iPhone 12. I suspect they will remain for sale as an accessory for some time.

 

[FightTheFuture]

What's the appeal of AirPods? Is it only because they are wireless, or do they sound significantly better than EarPods? I just don't understand why I should fork out $159 (or $249 for Pro). The price seems ridiculous for wirelesss EarPods.

You can get AirPods pretty cheap. Sometimes as low as $130. The appeal is that wireless is the way to go and AirPods are as “wireless” as you can get.

 

[x-evil-x]

Have you tried switching to transparency mode? Seems to work better for me - that’s the only way I can bear to use mine for calls.

All in all, put me down for another vote to keep at least one model with the EarPod design. My original AirPods fit great, and I have run hundreds of miles with them, without fear of losing them. OTOH, while my Pros sound much better and have tremendously effective ANC - I can’t move without having to adjust them. Walking, chewing, talking... any of those actions work the AirPod Pros out of my ears, and I have to re-seat them to get a decent seal.

you ever try memory foam tips in them? I won't ever go back to any other tips and I never have to adjust and get better sound.

 

[Macaholic868]

I simply do not like the in ear design. If Apple only offers that option moving forward they won’t be getting any more money out of me. Since they basically have a license to print money maybe they won’t care but I think they’ll be pissing off too many customers if they force that design and offer nothing else as an alternative for those of us who don’t like it.