Apple has officially launched AirPods 3, featuring spatial audio, longer battery life, and a redesigned look.
Apple’s Official Announcement: AirPods 3 Are Here
Apple dropped the AirPods 3 in October 2021, ending months of speculation and rumors. These new earbuds mark a significant upgrade over the previous generation with fresh design elements and enhanced features. Unlike the AirPods Pro, they don’t include active noise cancellation but bring spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which greatly improves the listening experience.
The redesigned stem is shorter and more contoured than older models, resembling the AirPods Pro but without silicone tips. This change not only improves comfort but also gives them a sleeker aesthetic. The new AirPods 3 come with sweat and water resistance (IPX4), making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
Key Features of AirPods 3
The AirPods 3 introduced several standout features that set them apart from their predecessors:
- Spatial Audio: Provides immersive surround sound using dynamic head tracking for movies, music, and games.
- Longer Battery Life: Up to six hours of listening time on a single charge, with a total of 30 hours using the wireless charging case.
- Adaptive EQ: Automatically tunes music to your ear shape for richer sound quality.
- Sweat and Water Resistance: IPX4 rating protects against sweat and light rain.
- MagSafe Charging Case: Compatible with MagSafe chargers for easy wireless charging.
These upgrades significantly enhance user experience compared to the second-generation AirPods, especially in sound quality and battery endurance.
Design Evolution Compared to Previous Models
The design overhaul in AirPods 3 is subtle but meaningful. The shorter stem reduces visual bulk without compromising microphone placement or call quality. The earbuds themselves have a more contoured shape that fits better in most ears, improving comfort during long listening sessions.
Unlike the AirPods Pro, these don’t have interchangeable silicone tips; instead, they rely on a universal fit that works well for many users but may not provide as much passive noise isolation. The charging case is slightly wider but thinner than before, fitting comfortably in pockets while supporting wireless charging standards like MagSafe.
Comparing AirPods Generations: Features at a Glance
| Feature | AirPods (2nd Gen) | AirPods (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Taller stem, universal fit | Shorter stem, contoured fit |
| Battery Life (Listening) | Up to 5 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Sweat & Water Resistance | No | Yes (IPX4) |
| Spatial Audio Support | No | Yes (with head tracking) |
| Charging Case Features | Wireless optional; no MagSafe support | Wireless with MagSafe support included |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | No | No (reserved for AirPods Pro) |
| Adaptive EQ | No | Yes |
| Siri Activation Method“Hey Siri” voice command only “Hey Siri” voice command only $159 $179 The Impact of Spatial Audio on Listening Experience
Spatial audio is arguably the headline feature of the AirPods 3. This technology creates an immersive soundstage by simulating surround sound through dynamic head tracking. When you turn your head or move your device, the audio adjusts accordingly to keep sounds anchored in space. This innovation transforms movie watching and gaming on Apple devices into a rich experience that feels more natural and engaging. Music also benefits from spatial audio by adding depth and clarity to instruments and vocals. While spatial audio was first introduced with AirPods Pro and Max models, its inclusion in the more affordable AirPods 3 opens up this premium feature to a broader audience. Battery life improvements are always welcome in wireless earbuds. Apple claims up to six hours of continuous listening time on a single charge for the new AirPods 3 — an hour more than previous models. The charging case extends total playback time up to 30 hours thanks to multiple recharges on the go. Fast charging capability also means you can get around an hour of playback from just five minutes in the case. This balance between compact size and extended battery life makes these earbuds ideal for daily commutes or long work sessions without constant recharging worries. With an IPX4 rating, the AirPods 3 can withstand sweat during workouts or light rain exposure without damage. This upgrade addresses one of the common pain points among users who want earbuds that can keep up during exercise or unpredictable weather. While not fully waterproof or suitable for swimming, this level of resistance makes them versatile enough for gym sessions or casual outdoor activities without fear of malfunction from moisture exposure. The new charging case supports MagSafe wireless charging — Apple’s magnetic alignment system designed for seamless placement on compatible chargers. This feature ensures your earbuds stay securely positioned while charging wirelessly. Besides MagSafe compatibility, it also supports Qi-certified wireless chargers alongside traditional Lightning cable charging. The case itself is slightly slimmer but wider than previous versions to accommodate these enhancements without sacrificing portability. MagSafe integration simplifies daily charging routines by reducing guesswork about alignment — just snap it onto any MagSafe charger for efficient power delivery every time. Priced at $179 upon release, the AirPods 3 sit between the budget-friendly second-gen model ($159) and premium-priced AirPods Pro ($249). This positioning reflects their blend of advanced features like spatial audio and improved battery life without including high-end ANC technology found in Pros. For users who want better sound quality than basic models but don’t need noise cancellation or customizable ear tips, these offer solid value. They appeal especially to those invested in Apple’s ecosystem who prioritize seamless device integration over additional bells and whistles. Ultimately, whether they’re “worth it” depends on individual preferences around price versus feature sets compared to other options available today. After months of speculation fueled by leaks and rumors from supply chains worldwide, Apple confirmed its release of AirPods 3 in late 2021. So yes — Apple is coming out with AirPods 3! They are officially available through Apple stores and authorized retailers globally. This launch answered many consumer questions about what improvements would arrive next after years without major updates since second-generation models debuted in early 2019. It also demonstrated Apple’s commitment to evolving its wireless audio lineup beyond just noise-cancelling premium options like the Pros or Max headphones. Apple’s adaptive EQ technology plays a key role here by tuning music frequencies based on how each earbud fits inside your ear canal. Tiny microphones inside detect sound levels reaching your ear then adjust bass and midrange tones dynamically for balanced output tailored specifically to you. Combined with custom-built drivers designed by Apple engineers alongside high dynamic range amplifiers optimized for clarity across all volumes, this results in richer bass response without distortion even at higher volumes — something earlier generations struggled with consistently delivering. These sound improvements make casual music listening far more enjoyable whether you’re streaming pop hits or classical compositions requiring nuanced detail reproduction. Inside every pair of new AirPods sits Apple’s H1 chip powering faster device connections along with lower latency during calls or gaming sessions — crucial when syncing audio perfectly matters most. This chip enables hands-free “Hey Siri” activation as well as seamless switching between devices logged into your iCloud account automatically — no manual pairing required each time you switch from iPhone to MacBook or iPad. Moreover, it supports Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensuring stable transmission over greater distances while consuming less power overall contributing directly towards improved battery life mentioned earlier. Initial reviews praised the improved fit compared to earlier standard models plus enhanced sound thanks mainly to spatial audio support combined with adaptive EQ tuning capabilities. Many appreciated longer battery life allowing all-day use without frequent charges plus convenient MagSafe compatibility simplifying wireless top-ups throughout their day-to-day routine. Some critiques focused on lack of active noise cancellation which remains exclusive only within Apple’s pricier product lines like AirPods Pro or Max headphones — disappointing if ANC is non-negotiable but understandable given this model’s target market position between entry-level buds & premium pros. Overall though feedback paints a positive picture confirming Apple’s ability to innovate incrementally while keeping user needs front-and-center across diverse usage scenarios ranging from casual listeners through fitness enthusiasts wanting reliable sweat resistance features too. |
Key Takeaways: Is Apple Coming Out With AirPods 3?
➤ Apple plans to release AirPods 3 soon.
➤ New design features an updated look.
➤ Improved battery life is expected.
➤ Enhanced sound quality will be included.
➤ Pricing may be similar to previous models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple coming out with AirPods 3 officially?
Yes, Apple officially launched the AirPods 3 in October 2021. This release ended months of speculation and rumors about the next generation of AirPods.
The announcement highlighted new features and a redesigned look, marking a significant upgrade over previous models.
What features does Apple’s AirPods 3 include?
Apple’s AirPods 3 feature spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, longer battery life, and a redesigned contoured fit. They also include sweat and water resistance (IPX4) and a MagSafe charging case for wireless charging convenience.
How does Apple’s AirPods 3 design differ from earlier versions?
The AirPods 3 have a shorter stem and a more contoured shape compared to previous models. Unlike the AirPods Pro, they do not have silicone tips but offer a universal fit that improves comfort during extended use.
Does Apple’s AirPods 3 support noise cancellation?
No, the AirPods 3 do not include active noise cancellation like the AirPods Pro. However, they provide spatial audio which enhances the listening experience with immersive surround sound.
When did Apple release the AirPods 3 and how long is their battery life?
Apple released the AirPods 3 in October 2021. They offer up to six hours of listening time on a single charge, with a total of around 30 hours using the wireless charging case.
