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Apple will announce its third-generation AirPods, featuring a new design similar to the AirPods Pro but lacking in "Pro" features during its "California streaming" Apple event on Tuesday, September 14, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today in an investors note obtained by MacRumors.

AirPods-Gen-3-Feature.jpg

Kuo envisions two possible scenarios for how Apple treats the AirPods lineup following the launch of the new model. In the first scenario, Kuo says Apple may price the third-generation AirPods higher than the current second-generation AirPods, keeping the existing model in the line.

Secondly, Apple may reduce the price of the existing AirPods and replace their spot in the lineup with the third-generation AirPods at the current $199 price point. Either way, Kuo says Apple will keep the second-generation AirPods in the lineup for customers who prefer the older design.
We have two scenarios for AirPods pricing: 1) AirPods 3 price is higher than existing AirPods 2, and AirPods 2 price remains the same, or 2) AirPods 3 price is the same as existing AirPods 2 and AirPods 2 price cuts. In scenario one, the market will be neutral on the AirPods announcement. In scenario two, the AirPods announcement will be better than the market expectation for supply chain shipments.
The third-generation AirPods are expected to feature a design language similar to the AirPods Pro, but rumors are conflicting on whether the new design will include silicone ear tips. Images of the alleged third-generation AirPods were shared earlier this year, and according to those images, the new AirPods will not feature silicone eartips. On the other hand, renders of the upcoming AirPods depict them with silicone eartips.

Alongside the third-generation AirPods, Apple is also planning to announce the iPhone 13 and the Apple Watch Series 7 during its "California streaming" event on Tuesday, September 14. For a full breakdown of everything we expect, be sure to check our guide.

Article Link: Kuo: Third-Generation AirPods to be Announced During 'California Streaming' Apple Event
 
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Makes perfect sense to keep AirPods 2 in the line. Apple has clearly been experimenting with prices this past couple of weeks, here in France you can get them on Amazon for 105€, instead of 179 on the Apple Store...

If you just drop the old ones to 99€ and release the third generation for 179 you get a perfect offering imo
 
I know this might be a question asked in the wrong topic, but my ears bother me constantly when I wear my AirPods Pro. I’ve tried changing the tips and they still bother me. Is this just a problem with earbuds in general? Does it take time to get used to them? 🤔
 
Yeah same. I like them offering a choice between tips (Pro) and no tips. If all the new gen AirPods have tips, I will be very disappointed.
I don't think tips make a product more "Pro". I also hate them.

It would be even better if you could add tips to an already functional product, to turn it into in-ear headphones.

Because in the end, I want the Active Noise Cancelling, but don't want the tips. My wish shouldn't come to reality in AirPods 3 yet, according to rumors.
 
My AirPods Pro which I have been using practically every day since release are still in such great shape. Amazing product, most satisfied I’ve been with an Apple product so far it think. Keen to see if they will be taking steps towards more advanced features, or just refine the shape and size. Can’t see myself upgrading for anything else than wear on my current batteries though.
 
My prediction:

AirPods Pro - $249
AirPods (3) with Wireless Charging Case - $199
AirPods (2) with Charging Case - $129

If they drop the current one to $129, it will be a good way to capture entry-level consumers.
 


Apple will announce its third-generation AirPods, featuring a new design similar to the AirPods Pro but lacking in "Pro" features during its "California streaming" Apple event on Tuesday, September 14, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today in an investors note obtained by MacRumors.

AirPods-Gen-3-Feature.jpg

Kuo envisions two possible scenarios for how Apple treats the AirPods lineup following the launch of the new model. In the first scenario, Kuo says Apple may price the third-generation AirPods higher than the current second-generation AirPods, keeping the existing model in the line.

Secondly, Apple may reduce the price of the existing AirPods and replace their spot in the lineup with the third-generation AirPods at the current $199 price point. Either way, Kuo says Apple will keep the second-generation AirPods in the lineup for customers who prefer the older design.
The third-generation AirPods are expected to feature a design language similar to the AirPods Pro, but rumors are conflicting on whether the new design will include silicone ear tips. Images of the alleged third-generation AirPods were shared earlier this year, and according to those images, the new AirPods will not feature silicone eartips. On the other hand, renders of the upcoming AirPods depict them with silicone eartips.

Alongside the third-generation AirPods, Apple is also planning to announce the iPhone 13 and the Apple Watch Series 7 during its "California streaming" event on Tuesday, September 14. For a full breakdown of everything we expect, be sure to check our guide.

Article Link: Kuo: Third-Generation AirPods to be Announced During 'California Streaming' Apple Event

they absolutely can't price the AirPods 3 any higher than the current price of AirPods 2, it would be insanity. already you have an APPLE PRODUCT in the Beats Studio Buds that are much smaller, fit bitter (than even AirPods Pro), have active noise reduction, transparency mode, and sound better but cost $149... I don't know how Apple is going to sell a stemmed AirPod with no active noise reduction, no transparency etc. for $199 let alone even more. I suspect the AirPods 2 at $149 (no wireless case option any longer), AirPods 3 at $199 (overpriced to the extreme based on rumored features), and AirPods Pro at $249 (dated design, overpriced, the bud version of the AirPod Pro 2 next year will be worthy of this price again.)
 
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