What We Know So Far About the AirPods 3 Release This 2021

All the features we’re anticipating for the new launch ahead

Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest Apple AirPods? You’re not alone! 

Rumors about the possible features and release date of the upcoming AirPods 3 have only intensified everyone’s excitement over the latest wireless earbuds from Apple.

While Apple didn’t invent true wireless earbuds, their original AirPods certainly made the tech more mainstream. In fact, other brands are also releasing top-of-the-line earbuds like Sony and Bose—the competition is stiff. So, it’s exciting to see what the AirPods 3 has in store to up the ante.

The AirPods 3 is rumored to be launched this 2021—here’s what we can expect.

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What’s the Difference Between AirPods 2 and 3?

Released in 2019, AirPods 2 boasts Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality that allows users to swap songs and control volume through voice commands. It also features active noise cancellation and a Qi-based wireless charging case. 

Needless to say, AirPods 2 truly set the bar high in terms of portability and immersive experience. AirPods 3 is poised to take these features one step higher as a revamped iteration of its predecessors. 

Design

Recent reports indicate that the AirPods 3 will likely be based on the AirPods Pro, featuring a shorter stem. Some sources also suggest that the ‌third-generation AirPods‌ will have silicone tips. This could mean that unlike the AirPods 2, you could personalize the fit of the AirPods 3 by swapping different tip sizes. 

While other tech experts predict that the earpiece can be like the current ‌AirPods‌ that do not have tips, recent image leaks suggest that the AirPods 3 will come with an open design instead.

It’s worth noting that the ‌AirPods 3‌ may also feature a tipless design, as suggested by the many leaked prototypes. Either way, a 2021 release seems likely, with more and more photos of the third-gen model being shared following the images earlier posted.

Features

The ‌2021 AirPods may also have features similar to the ‌AirPods Pro‌, like pairing with any Apple device without a hitch. They’re also likely to be configured with a system-in-package (SiP) feature identical to what’s in the ‌AirPods Pro‌, allowing more audio features to be integrated into a smaller casing design.

Tech sites likewise foresee the ‌AirPods‌ 3 adopting the same pressure-relieving system used in the ‌AirPods Pro‌, which reduces the discomfort caused by prolonged use.

What’s more, the ‌upcoming AirPods‌ may have the same touch controls as the ‌AirPods Pro‌, rather than the single and double-tap gestures. According to Bloomberg, the AirPods 3 could also include motion sensors for fitness tracking and integration with Apple Fitness Plus, along with noise reduction.

Lossless Audio

With Apple’s confirmation that it’s working on lossless audio with ‌Apple Music‌, AirPods 3 will likely be capable of lossless playback via AirPlay or a wireless protocol that will seamlessly integrate with Apple’s Free Lossless Audio Codec format.

Battery

With the possible release of the AirPods 3, there could be some improvements in its battery life, which is great because the biggest complaint about the current AirPods is the battery life. The second-generation AirPods offer only five hours on a single charge, while the AirPods Pro is even less than that. 

According to Apple Insider, the AirPods 3 is likely to adopt cheaper and less complex battery technology. It’s even been reported that Apple is replacing the existing rigid-flex PCB solution with a combination of the SiP used in the AirPods Pro and flexible printed circuit boards for longer-lasting 5G devices with larger capacity batteries.

Cost

The AirPods 3 is expected to be cheaper than the AirPods Pro or similar to the AirPods2 with Wireless Charging Case. That would set it at around ₱7,700.

Another exciting news is that Apple may offer a flexible payment plan for the third-gen AirPods, allowing customers to purchase them in monthly installments through their Apple Card. While pricing could vary depending on the specs, one thing is sure—the purchase will come at a premium.

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AirPods 3 Release Date

Watch out for the new ‌AirPods‌ in late 2021. According to Bloomberg, we can expect them to be released before the end of the year. They may be rolled out alongside the iPhone 13 during the usual release window for Apple phones around September. 

Keep Your Eyes on AirPods 3

AirPods are arguably one of Apple’s most popular products.  With AirPods 3 slated to launch this year, we can expect awesome wireless tech upgrades to grace the market. While waiting for the AirPods 3—one of the most anticipated Apple product releases for 2021—check out the other Apple products at the Globe Shop.