What Happened To AirPods 3 & Are Apple's Earbuds Still Coming?
Apple's big end-of-year event took place this week and the third-generation AirPods did not make an appearance in the presentation, contrary to multiple rumors. The Apple Watch Series 7 was announced, but not in the form that was expected. In contrast to previous years, a few of the Apple event surprises revolved around what wasn't seen, at least not yet.
Apple's September event featured the iPhone 13 in the same sizes and having the same shape as the 2020 models. The iPhone received big changes internally, however, with all three rear cameras seeing better specifications and the displays improving with brighter screens and adaptive 120 hertz refresh rates on the Pro models. The iPad mini had its biggest update ever, sporting a new flat-edged design that makes it look like a smaller iPad Air. It also enjoys the same processor as the new iPhone 13, which is somewhat surprising, along with a True Tone display, Apple Pencil 2 support, and a USB-C port.
Fairly reliable sources, such as Mark Gurman of Bloomberg claimed that Apple would announce an update to the AirPods this year and that these incredibly popular, true wireless earbuds would arrive alongside the new iPhone. While the iPhone event came and went with no mention of any new AirPods, that doesn't necessarily mean eager shoppers will have to now wait until next year. Apple often has two events in the fall and last year there were three. Due to this, there is still a good chance that the third-generation AirPods might appear in October or November.
With the shocking reveal of a rounder Apple Watch Series 7 instead of the rumored flat-edged design, rumors must be firmly discounted as such. Apple has made no mention of new AirPods, but multiple sources agree that they are coming soon. The consensus is that the stems will be shorter. There have been suggestions of soft silicone tips, similar to those supplied with Apple's AirPods Pro. Others disagree and believe the portion that fits in the ear will remain basically the same, albeit with a slightly more rounded shape.
Apple updates the chip in new products fairly regularly and that might be the case with an update to AirPods. A newer more efficient chip might result in a longer battery life, improved connectivity, and possibly upgraded features. Apple's AirPods Pro are distinguished by adaptive active noise cancellation, venting, Spatial Audio, and more advanced controls. Apple might include some of these features in the supposed new AirPods 3, however, some will remain exclusive to the more expensive model. Apple's third-generation AirPods are still expected to arrive this year and possibly as soon as next month.
Source: Bloomberg