A live photo allegedly showing a leaked model of the AirPods 3 has been making rounds online. While its design is different from the first and second generations of the wireless earbuds, it does not exactly don a new appearance.
AirPods 3 design, features
The design of AirPods 3 has been one of the earliest and most discussed aspects of the unannounced product. It has been widely reported that Apple is aiming to use a similar form factor as the AirPods Pro for its third-gen entry-level wireless buds.
A few days ago, a rendered image allegedly showing the appearance of AirPods 3 leaked online, as first reported by 52audio. It corresponds with the reports that the earbuds will look the same as the first AirPods Pro. Now, a supposed live image showing the unreleased earbuds has also emerged online from the same source, doubling down on the speculated revamped design.
The alleged AirPods 3 leak is showing a charging case with a wider body, also similar to the AirPods Pro. Another design feature expected to be applied in the entry-level earbuds is the interchangeable in-ear tips. While that was demonstrated in the previous renders, the earbuds are angled in the live photo in a way that the in-ear tips are difficult to see.
Apple’s active noise canceling technology is expected to remain exclusive on the more expensive devices such as AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. However, there are rumors suggesting that the AirPods 3 might be released with spatial audio. It was launched as one of the new features in iOS 14 and is currently support on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max only. It utilizes an advanced head tracking mechanism to deliver three-dimensional theater-like sound.
AirPods 3 release date
It is still unclear when Apple is going to unveil the AirPods 3. Sources with good track records have previously reported that the new entry-level earbuds are slated to launch in the first half of 2021.
One possibility is to see it announced at the anticipated Apple event in March, but even this is not yet confirmed by the company. There have also been conflicting reports on whether or not Apple is going to have an online presentation next month where the AirTags and new iPad Pro tablets would be announced.
Featured photo by The Average Tech Guy on Unsplash


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