AirPods 3 Rumors: Our Expectations
The AirPods 3 are coming. There are multiple indications that the third-generation AirPods will be available soon. But what is actually new? What improvements can you expect. In recent months, there have been plenty of rumors about the AirPods 3, which we have collected for you in this article. So you know exactly what to expect from the AirPods 3.
- Design
- No noise reduction
- Battery and charging case
- Chip
- New iOS 15 Features
- Other Features
- Price
- Release
#1 New design, similar to AirPods Pro
It seems very likely that the third generation AirPods are getting a new design. Several reliable sources have already claimed this in recent months. That means, for the first time, the standard AirPods are moving away from the familiar design, which was inspired by the wired EarPods. The new AirPods 3 will have a design that is very reminiscent of that of the AirPods Pro. The shape of the ear matches and the stick is also a lot smaller. Several renders have also appeared showing the new design.
However, the big question remains: will Apple switch to in-ear or not? In addition to the renders, leaked photos have also surfaced that may show the AirPods 3. None of those photos show the rubber in-ear tips, so it's possible that Apple is using the AirPods Pro design, but without the in-ear design via the ear tips. It would therefore feel in your ears between the current regular AirPods and the AirPods Pro.
#2 No noise reduction
In any case, what seems certain is that the new AirPods 3 will not get active noise cancellation. This feature is reserved for the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. With active noise suppression, the microphones in the AirPods listen in and filter the disturbing ambient noise, so you only hear the music itself. Perhaps Apple will use a different technique, such as noise isolation, thanks to the renewed shape of the AirPods. Noise isolation is also used in the Powerbeats Pro, for example.
#3 Better battery life, new charging case
According to Bloomberg, the AirPods 3 also get a better battery life. We already saw this when switching from the first AirPods to the AirPods 2. In which area the battery life is improved, it is not yet entirely clear. You may only notice this during a call (handy for video calling), but we certainly won't say no for a longer battery life while listening to music.
Due to the new design, the AirPods 3 also get a new charging case. This is similar in shape to the charging case of the AirPods Pro. It can also be seen in leaked photos. It is striking that there also seems to be no place for the rubber ear cushions.
#4 Possible with new chip
But how does Apple ensure that better battery life in the AirPods 3? A new H-chip may come in handy there. Apple usually uses a new chip to implement new features and improved battery life. This was also the case with the switch from the first AirPods (W1 chip) to the current AirPods 2 (H1 chip). Apple has been using the H1 chip since 2019, so a switch to an H2 chip does not sound so crazy.
#5 New iOS 15 Features
The AirPods get all kinds of new features in iOS 15. One of the most useful improvements is that the AirPods are linked to the Find My network via your Apple ID. You can therefore find them even if they are in the case and you are not within your own Bluetooth range. But this now only works with the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. We expect the AirPods 3 to work with this as well. The same may be true for the new Conversation Boost feature. And if the new AirPods 3 get spatial audio, this also provides more possibilities in iOS 15.
Read more in our overview of the AirPods features in iOS 15.
#6 Other features for AirPods 3
Apple may add some other features to the AirPods 3, although there have been no strong rumors about them:
- Better water resistance : The AirPods Pro are sweat and splash resistant because of the design. Since the design of the AirPods 3 is similar, this may also apply to the new model.
- Spatial Audio: While Apple isn't going to add active noise cancellation, Spatial Audio support may be possible. There have been no rumors about it, but we wouldn't be surprised if Apple adds it anyway. In any case, the new AirPods work with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio at Apple Music.
- No lossless audio: Lossless audio requires a wired connection, so the AirPods via Bluetooth are not suitable are. There is a rumor that the AirPods will get lossless audio thanks to a new connection method via AirPlay.
- With wireless charging: Wireless charging in the charging case will in any case be an option again, but this may also be standard (just like with the AirPods Pro).
# 7 Price of AirPods 3
How much will the AirPods 3 cost? There has been a rumor about the price of the AirPods 3. According to the source, the AirPods 3 will be 20% cheaper than the AirPods Pro. That means a price of about ’230. That is roughly the same as the suggested retail price of the current AirPods with wireless charging case. We don't know whether Apple will also release a cheaper version with a regular charging case, but we honestly don't think so. Another option is that Apple will keep the current second-generation AirPods with a standard charging case in its range as a cheaper alternative.
#8 Release of the AirPods 3
A lot has already been said and written about the release of the AirPods 3. The rumors went all over the place: from a release in March to the specific date of May 18. But the most reliable sources say that the mass production of the AirPods 3 will not start until the third quarter of this year. That would be this month. We therefore also think that the AirPods 3 will appear in the third quarter. If we had to take a chance, we think the AirPods 3 will be released in September, along with the latest iPhones and Apple Watch.
In 2022 we also expect the AirPods Pro 2 , possibly with fitness tracking. This information comes from a reliable source, which also indicates that Apple will release the AirPods 3 later this year with a new design as discussed in this article.
Do you already want Buy AirPods? Good offers appear regularly, now that the new model is on the way. Check out our AirPods deals article for the best deals.
Revision history:
- 2021 – August 18, 18:00: Article updated with the latest rumors and upcoming features.