Kuo: 'AirPods 3' Expected to Use Similar System-in-Package Technology as AirPods Pro

Apple's third-generation AirPods will adopt a compact system-in-package (SiP) solution similar to AirPods Pro, according to the latest research note from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, obtained by MacRumors.

AirPods3
Apple is expected to launch new entry-level AirPods with a form factor design similar to ‌AirPods Pro‌ in the first half of 2021, and Kuo's latest note advances his earlier prediction by underlining the need for SiP technology to integrate the earbuds' audio features into the smaller casing. Introduced in 2019, ‌AirPods Pro‌ feature a different in-ear design to AirPods, with shorter stems below the ear.

Based on the so-called "AirPods 3" arriving in the first half of next year, Kuo believes current-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ part suppliers should see component shipments grow an estimated 50 percent to 100 percent year over year. The existing second-generation AirPods are expected to be discontinued when the new models are launched.

Amkor, JCET and Huanxu Electronics are in line to supply the SiP components, while Shin Zu Shing is expected to supply the AirPods case hinge, said Kuo.

Overall AirPods shipments are projected to slow in 2021, with growth expected at 28 percent year on year, compared to an expected 65.1 percent growth year on year in 2020, which Kuo believes will be stimulated by Apple's decision to sell the "iPhone 12" without wired EarPods included in the box.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Apple Glass

Apple Smart Glasses: Everything We Know So Far

Wednesday May 21, 2025 8:21 am PDT by
Google recently made waves by showcasing a set of lightweight smart glasses featuring deep Gemini integration and an optional in-lens display. The demo has reignited interest in Apple's own smart glasses project, which has been the subject of rumors for nearly a decade. Here's a recap of where things stand. Current Development Status Apple is actively working on new chips specifically...
Apple Glasses Purple Feature

Apple Smart Glasses Launching in 2026

Thursday May 22, 2025 12:22 pm PDT by
Apple is planning to launch a set of smart glasses by the end of 2026, reports Bloomberg. The glasses will be comparable to the Meta Ray-Bans and the Android XR glasses that Google showed off earlier this week. Apple's smart glasses are expected to include cameras, microphones, and AI capabilities, much like the Meta Ray-Bans. The glasses will be able to take photos, record video, provide...
Apple CarPlay Ultra instrument cluster themes 01

Apple's CarPlay Ultra Is Here – Does Your iPhone Support It?

Thursday May 15, 2025 5:17 am PDT by
Apple's recently announced CarPlay Ultra promises a deeply integrated in-car experience, but not all iPhone users will be able to take advantage of the new feature. According to Apple's press release, CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. This means if you're using an iPhone 11, iPhone XR, or any older model, you'll need to upgrade your device to access...
maxresdefault

OpenAI Buys Jony Ive's AI Startup to 'Completely Reimagine What It Means to Use a Computer'

Wednesday May 21, 2025 10:27 am PDT by
OpenAI is acquiring io, the hardware-based AI startup co-created by Jony Ive, OpenAI announced today. Ive has been working with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on io for two years, and the duo expects to develop a family of AI devices. In a video shared by OpenAI, Altman and Ive outlined their partnership and what they expect to create as a result of the merger. "I have a growing sense that everything ...
WWDC 2025 Banner

Apple Announces WWDC 2025 Schedule, Including Keynote Time

Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today announced a more detailed schedule for its annual developers conference WWDC, which runs from June 9 through June 13. The schedule confirms that Apple's keynote will begin on Monday, June 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with a live stream to be available on Apple.com, in the Apple TV app, and on YouTube. During the keynote, Apple is expected to announce iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16,...
iPod shuffle generations

Kuo: Jony Ive's Futuristic OpenAI Device Like a Neck-Worn iPod Shuffle

Thursday May 22, 2025 8:05 am PDT by
The big news in the technology world this week is that ChatGPT maker OpenAI is working more closely with Apple's former design chief Jony Ive on a futuristic AI device. The company is remaining tight lipped about the device, but Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared some alleged details about its design. In a social media post today, Kuo said the device will be "slightly larger" ...
macOS 16 visionOS Inspired Feature 1

macOS 16: Everything We Know So Far

Tuesday May 20, 2025 7:31 am PDT by
The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple's annual developer and software-oriented event, is less than three weeks away. We haven't heard a great deal about macOS 16 ahead of its announcement this year, so we could be in for some major surprises when June 9 rolls around. Here's what we know so far about the next major update to Apple's Mac operating system. macOS 16 Name? Every year ...

Top Rated Comments

Caliber26 Avatar
64 months ago
Ugh. I hope this doesn’t mean all AirPods moving forward will be in-ear. Bought the Pros and returned them right away and want back to my first-gen AirPods.

My use for AirPods is limited to listening to podcasts at work or during long phone calls, and I only use one at a time. I don’t need (or want) and earphone ‘plugged’ into my ear the entire time for simple stuff like this.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DJTaurus Avatar
64 months ago
Please no silicone tips on AirPods. They are perfect as they are. They only need better battery longevity.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ouimetnick Avatar
64 months ago
Seems foolish to only offer one style. The regular AirPods are uncomfortable for me and don’t fit in my ears, but the AirPods Pro do. Likewise other people have the opposite experience and can’t get a comfortable snug fit with the AirPods Pro but the regular AirPod design works well for them. They should continue to offer both styles.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Geoko78 Avatar
64 months ago
Apple will just save me some money.Thanks Apple..No way gonna buy earphones with silicone tips to make my ear hurt..Did it once with beatsx never gonna do it again...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsmilo Avatar
64 months ago

Still rocking the original AirPods, since December 2016. never had a single issue with them so I will just keep using them.
do yours still last? Mine barely last an hour
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BvizioN Avatar
64 months ago
Still rocking the original AirPods, since December 2016. never had a single issue with them so I will just keep using them.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)