Upcoming AirPods 3 Redesign Shown Off in New Images

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With the AirPods 3 rumored to be launching as soon as this month, we've been seeing an increasing number of leaks showing off the design of the new earbuds. Renders were shared yesterday, and today, 52audio has published a series of images said to feature the third-generation AirPods.

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As with prior leaks, the AirPods 3 have an AirPods Pro-like design with a shorter stem and a more rounded body design that's close to identical to the AirPods Pro. The stem will still be a bit longer than the AirPods Pro stem, but it's much shorter than the AirPods stem.

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Rumors have suggested the AirPods 3 will have snap-in silicone ear pieces for a more comfortable and customizable in-ear fit, much like the AirPods Pro, but that doesn't appear to be the design depicted in the images. If accurate, these images suggest the AirPods 3 will have a design similar to the AirPods without silicone tips.
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The AirPods 3 case will be similar in design to the AirPods Pro case. It's wider than the standard AirPods case to accommodate the new body design, and not as tall because it no longer needs to fit such long stems. It does not appear to have room in the top for silicone ear tips, which also suggests a tipless design.

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While the AirPods 3 will look like the AirPods Pro, rumors suggest they will not have Pro-level features. Active Noise Cancellation will remain limited to the AirPods Pro, and other features like spatial audio may also be a premium feature.

AirPods 3 are expected to continue to feature an Apple H1 chip and all of the standard functionality currently available to the AirPods 2 and the AirPods Pro like fast device pairing, pressure relief functionality, quick switching, clear call quality enabled through beam-forming microphones, and long range.

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52audio believes that the AirPods 3 will be priced at $150. AirPods 2 sell for $159 without a Wireless Charging Case and $199 with a Wireless Charging Case. It's not clear if Apple will offer both options with the AirPods 3, but it seems likely Qi-based wireless charging functionality will be the standard option.

AirPods 3 are believed to be ready to go, and they're expected to launch early in 2021. In fact, rumors suggest that Apple could hold an event on March 23, and if that happens, it's likely that event will see the debut of the new AirPods.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Tags: AirPods, AirPods 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

LeadingHeat Avatar
LeadingHeat
65 months ago
I really hope that bit about the silicon tips is wrong. I’d rather just have the all plastic design that’s worked so well for the earbuds for so long. I for one hate the silicone tips of the AirPods Pro.
Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
AngerDanger
65 months ago

I really hope that bit about the silicon tips is wrong. I’d rather just have the all plastic design that’s worked so well for the earbuds for so long. I for one hate the silicone tips of the AirPods Pro.
Doesn't look like there's actually room in the top of the case for there to be silicon tips.

Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zakarhino Avatar
zakarhino
65 months ago

Doesn't that give a much better seal for listening to audio? In other words you get better audio frequency response.

I don't mind them going that direction.
It does give a better seal... which is exactly why I DON'T want the standard AirPods to have them. No seal means it's a lot easier to hear what's going on around you which is especially useful for taking phone calls as it's easier to hear yourself speaking + easier to hear cars around you in the city (transparency mode on the AirPods Pro is nowhere near as good as your naked ears). Additionally I find that AirPods Pro can actually build up pressure in my ear which is very uncomfortable. It's strange but standard "non sealing" AirPods are sometimes a better pick for me depending on my situation.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
E
EmotionalSnow
65 months ago

Doesn't that give a much better seal for listening to audio? In other words you get better audio frequency response.

I don't mind them going that direction.
Many people who like the fit of the standard AirPods don't like the fit of the AirPods Pro and the other way round. I would hate for Apple to remove either option.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Y
yanksfan114
65 months ago

Though not depicted in the images, the AirPods 3 will have snap-in silicone ear pieces for a more comfortable and customizable in-ear fit.
Why does @MacRumors keep saying this for every story? None of the leaked prototypes have shown the rubber tips. There’s also no way they would fit in the case with the tips added on. They’re obviously not adding them if this is actually the final design.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
V
vmac556
65 months ago
Ok so no silicone tips. Take my money then il take 2.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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