Although Apple is not the first one to launch truly wireless earphones, the original AirPods did take the TWS to the mainstream. AirPods 2 with its improved sound tech upped the game. To keep the momentum going, the Cupertino-giant is gearing up to launch its third-generation of AirPods. According to reliable sources such as Mark Gurman (Bloomberg) and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the next-generation AirPods will make their debut in the first half of this year. Now, we might have our first look at AirPods 3. The image is shared by 52audio and it showcases the charging case and the AirPods, at least that is what the site claims.
Taking a closer look at the image, we can understand that the AirPods 3 look a lot similar to the AirPods Pro. I mean, there is a heavy dose of inspiration going here and this is definitely not a bad thing. In-ear design is very much appreciated as it provides a better fit and improved noise isolation compared to the original AirPods and the second generation ones. Also, the stem is relatively smaller compared to the previous AirPods. According to the schematics, AirPods 3 will also allow users to attach and detach ear tips and replace them with different sizes.
Seems like a lot has changed on the AirPods 3. What did not change is the signature black pressure-sensitive touch input area and also the pressure-relief vent at the top. Do note that AirPods 3 will not support the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode despite having a semi in-ear design as these are features that you get on the costlier version of AirPods such as AirPods Pro and the recently launched AirPods Max. But, we can expect the support for Spatial Audio that offers the users a surround sound experience that relies on head tracking. The charging case of the upcoming AirPods is said to support wireless charging and the case itself looks smaller compared to the previous generations.
Do take this information with a grain of salt, as 52audio, in the past has shared images claiming to showcase different parts of the upcoming AirPods 3. But, in November they’ve also shared an X-Ray image claiming to be the new AirPods, which was later proven to be faked and turned out to be a compressed X-Ray image of the current generation AirPods Pro.
As for the pricing, the report claims that the AirPods 3 will be priced at $15o and will be launched in early March. Previous reports also suggested that Apple is holding an event on March 16 where it plans to unveil the new iPad Pro and the Mini models alongside the AirTags. But, Mark Gurman recently tweeted that there won’t be an Apple launch event on March 16. At this time, we are unaware of when the AirPods 3 will launch inexact. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said that the Mass Production of the new AirPods will take place in the first half of this year. He also believes that Apple plans to clear its current stock which has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
