It was rumored that AirPods 3 would be announced alongside iPhones 13 and Apple Watch Series 7 during Apple’s September 14 ‘California Streaming’ event. As October is starting, a new report claims that the third-generation AirPods are still on track to be launch before the end of 2021.
AirPods 3 still on track for 2021 launch
TF Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that AirPods 3 would be announced during Apple’s virtual fall event. Though that did not happen, a report from DigiTimes suggests that the updated wireless earbuds may still launch before the end of this year. It is rumored that the new AirPods are currently in mass production.
Based on industry sources, AirPods 3 will come in a new AirPods Pro-like design with a smaller and oval-shaped charging case, and earbuds with shorter stems and oval earpieces. But there are conflicting claims if the earbuds will have silicone tips or not.
Kuo has previously claimed that Apple will switch its next-generation AirPods to a complex system-in-package chip solution, which would replace the current surface mount technology the earbuds use. The switch to SiP systems will enable manufacturers to arrange more components into a smaller space. AirPods Pro, for example, employ an SiP design with an Apple-designed H1 chip that handles audio, Siri commands, noise-canceling capabilities, and more.
This technology could improve battery life, sound quality, and even improve Siri integration in the next-gen AirPods. However, since noise cancellation has been reserved for the more expensive AirPods variant, it is unlikely that Apple will bring this feature to the cheaper AirPods 3.
Apple might announce AirPods 3 via a press release through Apple Newsroom like it did for AirPods Pro or include them in its rumored second event expected to take place this month in November. Rumors claim that the tech giant will announce its new M1X 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models at this event.
Read more:
