Skip to Content

Kuo: AirPods 3 to Launch in First Half of 2021 With Similar Design as AirPods Pro

by

Apple plans to launch third-generation AirPods with a form factor design "similar to AirPods Pro" in the first half of 2021, according to the latest research note from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, obtained by MacRumors.

AirPods3
Introduced in November 2019, the AirPods Pro feature an in-ear design with three sizes of soft, flexible silicone tips included in the box, along with shorter stems below the ear. AirPods Pro also have several upgraded features over regular AirPods, including active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and water and sweat resistance.

The current AirPods lineup includes second-generation AirPods with a wired charging case for $159, second-generation AirPods with a wireless charging case for $199, and AirPods Pro with a wireless charging case for $249.

Kuo also reiterated that iPhone 12 models will not include EarPods in the box, which he believes will help boost AirPods shipments into 2021. He also expects AirPods shipments to benefit from some kind of promotion program launching in the second half of 2020 — perhaps allowing customers to purchase AirPods at a discount alongside the iPhone 12?

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3
Tags: AirPods 3, Ming-Chi Kuo, TF International Securities
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral), AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Released Seven New Products Today

Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:05 am PDT by
Starting today, the seven new Apple products that were announced last week are available at Apple Stores and beginning to arrive to customers. The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world starting today. Apple Stores have inventory of the new products for both walk-in customers and Apple Store pickup, but...
Read Full Article • 24 comments
Apple 50 Years of Thinking Different

Apple Announces 50th Anniversary Plans

Thursday March 12, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
Apple today announced that it will celebrate the company's 50th anniversary over the coming weeks, but it has yet to reveal any specific plans. Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, so the company will turn 50 on April 1, 2026. "While Apple is known for looking forward, this milestone offers a special moment to reflect on the journey that has brought the company here, to celebrate the...
Read Full Article • 92 comments
iOS 27 Mock Quick

10+ New Features Coming in iOS 27

Friday March 13, 2026 2:13 pm PDT by
We're only three months away from Apple's WWDC 2026 event, which will see the company unveil iOS 27. With the fully revamped version of Siri possibly delayed until September, iOS 27 is shaping up to be the update we wanted iOS 26 to be. There will be new Apple Intelligence features, updates for the iPhone Fold, and more, with the latest rumors summarized below. Foldable iPhone Features...
Read Full Article • 82 comments

Top Rated Comments

4
480951
75 months ago
I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eriamjh1138@DAN Avatar
Eriamjh1138@DAN
75 months ago
I'm on my second pair of airpods and the first are garbage after 2 years. Battery life has gone down the drain.

Not sure I'm so interested in spending $150 every 2 years for them.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jezbd1997 Avatar
jezbd1997
75 months ago

I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.
I agree, I only have the 2nd gen and I’ve heard people still prefer the regular ones over the pro in comfort. I’ve tried in ear headphones before and while audio quality is better (expected) there’s compromises
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsmilo Avatar
itsmilo
75 months ago

I agree, I only have the 2nd gen and I’ve heard people still prefer the regular ones over the pro in comfort. I’ve tried in ear headphones before and while audio quality is better (expected) there’s compromises
i can agree with that. I have the first gen Air Pods and also the Pro and I wore the 1st gen for the first time in forever recently and I was like DAMN it really feels you have nothing in your ears, while I have to keep re-adjusting my IN EAR AirPods all the time ironically. Also the Bass was a lot more noticeable. I was almost like shoot, why did I even buy the Pro lol
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
K
KrisLord
75 months ago

I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.
I agree, I don’t get the logic of moving to the pro design.
I got the pro for my birthday and they’re good quite a different experience to the normal AirPods.

I was flying regularly when I expressed an interest in the pros to my wife whereas now I’m stuck WFH where there’s far less need for ANC.

I find wearing both pros and holding a call rather off putting as your voice sounds odd (to yourself, not others on the call)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wahlstrm Avatar
Wahlstrm
75 months ago
I had the 1st version for about 2 years or so before I broke them while trying to clean them.
Bought the PRO´s and if I ever buy AirPods again I will buy the non PRO. I liked it a lot better.
The ANC on the PRO´s are more or less "just on paper" and main point of AirPods is the ease of use.
The PRO´s have never felt as easy and effortless to use as to standard version.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments