The long-rumored 3rd generation AirPods (which I’ll refer to as AirPods 3 henceforth) is now official. This is one of Apple’s many products expected during its Oct. 18th Unleash event on Monday and the price tag of the device starts at US$179 as shipping will begin as soon as next week.
Just like the leaks floating across the internet several months back, the new AirPods 3 looks quite similar to the device as it takes the design aesthetics of the current AirPods Pro that was released back in 2019 with a US$250 price tag.
The AirPods 3 features an open design sans silicone ear tips, unlike the AirPods Pro which probably explains why the device doesn’t have an active noise cancellation despite being sold for US$179.
However, the device features a wireless charging case with MagSafe, new custom-made drivers, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and and adaptive EQ system to better optimize the device’s output quality.
There is also an improved battery life which has now reached about 6 hours on a single charge instead of 5 hours.
The AirPods 3 also have the same force sensors in their stems as the AirPods Pro for controlling playback. And importantly, they’re sweat- and water-resistant.
Even though the new design adopted by Apple on the AirPods 3 is quite interesting, fitting might still be an issue for some especially as there are no silicone ear tips to hold the earbuds in place when you wear them.
The final product which will be shipped next week should feature an improved design that may not be very visible and the fitting will be another thing when people start getting their hands on the earbuds.