Skip to main content

AirPods 3: Everything we know so far

See All Stories
Claimed AirPods 3 renders

Apple’s AirPods are hugely popular truly wireless earbuds, and a new version is on the way. AirPods 3 are expected to be released later this year with an all-new design. Here’s everything we know so far.

Design

Apple is expected to introduce a new version of its entry-level AirPods with an all-new design. Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that the new AirPods will feature a new form factor and design “similar to AirPods Pro,” though the analyst did not offer any details.

The second-generation AirPods were initially released in March 2019, bringing “Hey Siri” support and Qi wireless charging. The overall design and form factor of AirPods has stayed the same since their original release in December 2016, so they are overdue for some sort of visual redesign.

Bloomberg reported in October that Apple is planning to launch new entry-level AirPods with a shorter stem, again likening the design to the AirPods Pro.

More recent leaked images have indicated that while the design of the upcoming AirPods is similar to AirPods Pro, the AirPods 3 will not feature replaceable ear tips. This follows Apple’s strategy of marketing the entry-level AirPods as having a “universal” fit and the AirPods Pro as having a customizable fit.

As such, the charging will also be redesigned to accommodate the new earbuds. Leaked images from 52audio also claimed to offer our first real-world look at the redesigned AirPods 3. Here we can see the smaller stem, in-ear design, and redesigned battery case.

Features

If AirPods and AirPods Pro feature a similar design, what differentiates them and helps Apple justify the higher-price of AirPods Pro? According to Bloomberg, the AirPods would lack higher-end AirPods Pro features like noise cancellation and transparency mode.

This means AirPods 3 will be very similar to the current AirPods in terms of features, with the primary changes being the new design, as well as some performance and connectivity improvements.

When will AirPods 3 be released?

AirPods 3 were initially expected to be released sometime in the spring of 2021, but that appears to no longer be happening. Instead, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently reported that AirPods 3 will launch sometime in Q3 of this year. Apple’s April hardware announcements came and went without any announcement of AirPods 3.

Apple is likely to release new iPhone models in September, and it would make sense for the company to also release new AirPods around that same time. This would also ensure AirPods 3 are readily available in time for the holiday shopping season. Bloomberg also recently reported that AirPods are still on track for a release sometime in 2021.

How much will AirPods 3 cost?

Pricing information is unclear, but at least one report has suggested that AirPods 3 will cost roughly 20% less than AirPods Pro, which indicates a $199 price point. This is a noticeable increase in price compared to the current AirPods lineup.

Apple currently sells AirPods with wired charging case for $159 and AirPods with wireless charging case for $199. Another report has suggested that AirPods 2 will continue to be sold after AirPods 3 are introduced, giving users a low-cost option in the AirPods lineup.

AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro, AirPods 2/3: Which are the best?

AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro AirPods 3 2

As the follow-up to Apple’s hit earphones with active noise cancellation, AirPods Pro 2 come with a number of thoughtful upgrades. That includes features like 2x more noise cancellation, adaptive transparency, an upgraded charging case with Find My tracking, speaker, lanyard loop, and much more. Read along for our in-depth comparison of AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and 2.

Expand Expanding Close
Change AirPods controls - force sensors

AirPods Pro and AirPods 3: How to change Force Sensor controls

AirPods Pro have great features like noise cancellation and a Transparency mode with an in-ear design. And to switch between those and other features, Force Sensors in the AirPods Pro (and AirPods 3) stems offer easy control. Read on for how to change AirPods controls including press speed, press duration, what your left and right Force Sensors do, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Comment: AirPods 3 from an AirPods Pro user’s perspective

Ever since I put my hands on AirPods Pro, I’ve been almost an advocate for their qualities. Not only because they fit perfectly in my ears but because I wanted to have ANC when on a bus or a plane, and the second-generation AirPods didn’t give me that.

After two years of using AirPods Pro, I finally had the chance to try AirPods 3, and here are my impressions of these wireless earbuds.

Expand Expanding Close

Apple rolls out firmware update for AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, here’s how to check for it

AirPods pro firmware update

Apple is rolling out a new firmware version for AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max today. The update pushes Apple’s truly wireless earbuds to version 4C165 as well as its premium headphone. Head below for details on how to update and how to check your firmware version. 

Expand Expanding Close

Comment: AirPods 3 bring much-needed features to people who don’t like in-ear headphones

iOS 16 will warn users when they try to pair counterfeit AirPods with their iPhone

Since Apple introduced the first AirPods, the company’s wireless earphones lineup has expanded with AirPods Pro and then AirPods Max, but the entry-level model never received a significant update until recently. With AirPods 3, Apple has finally brought much-needed features for those people who don’t like in-ear earbuds — and I’ve been enjoying mine quite a bit.

Expand Expanding Close

AirPods 3 teardown reveals differences from AirPods Pro despite similar design

Following the announcement last month, AirPods 3 are finally among us. The new generation of Apple’s truly wireless earphones comes with a new design inspired by AirPods Pro and features such as Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ. However, while the external design looks almost the same, they are quite different on the inside, as shown in a new teardown by 52audio.

Expand Expanding Close

Opinion: The new AirPods are exactly the wireless earbuds that I wanted Apple to make

When Apple introduced AirPods Pro in late 2019, they instantly made the regular AirPods “uncool.” The stems were shorter, the sound was better, there were actual buttons, and the case had a landscape design that was undeniably new. But AirPods Pro have always had a fundamental flaw for me. They just don’t fit my ears. None of the included interchangeable tips have ever worked for me. I know this is unusual since people tend to say that AirPods Pro fit their ears better than standard AirPods, but the original AirPods design was infinitely more comfortable for me. The third-generation AirPods take the best of both and combine them into one pair of nearly perfect wireless earbuds.

Expand Expanding Close

Leaker says new MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and AirPods 3 will be unveiled at tomorrow’s Apple event

The wait is finally over as we are just a day away from Apple’s “Unleashed” event. If rumors turn out to be true, Cupertino’s company will unveil a new MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and the long-awaited AirPods 3.

Although many people already expected these launches, it’s the leaker Dylandkt who doubles down on this bet, according to some of his tweets and information gathered by 9to5Mac.

Expand Expanding Close

Comment: How AirPods 3 could overshadow the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7

AirPods Original vs AirPods 2

Tomorrow marks Apple’s annual September event, and all eyes are on the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7. Over the weekend, however, Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is also planning to announce the long-rumored AirPods 3 refresh during the event. Based on the rumors we’ve seen so far, there’s a real possibility AirPods 3 could end up stealing the show.

Expand Expanding Close

Rumors: iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7, and AirPods 3 to have longer battery life, more

iPhone 13 production boost

Ahead of Apple’s upcoming event on Tuesday, last-minute leaks and rumors continue to surface regarding the iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7, and AirPods 3. Leaker Max Weinbach has shared a handful of details about the iPhone 13 lineup related to battery life, camera technology, and more.

Expand Expanding Close