Apple Alerts EU Regulators That Apple Ads and Maps Meet DMA Gatekeeper Thresholds 
EU Prepares Antitrust Probe Into Meta’s AI Integration on WhatsApp 
TSMC Accuses Former Executive of Leaking Trade Secrets as Taiwan Prosecutors Launch Investigation 
Firelight Launches as First XRP Staking Platform on Flare, Introduces DeFi Cover Feature 
Australia Releases New National AI Plan, Opts for Existing Laws to Manage Risks 
Apple Leads Singles’ Day Smartphone Sales as iPhone 17 Demand Surges 
Microchip Technology Boosts Q3 Outlook on Strong Bookings Momentum 
AI-Guided Drones Transform Ukraine’s Battlefield Strategy 
Nexperia Urges China Division to Resume Chip Production as Supply Risks Mount 
Baidu Cuts Jobs as AI Competition and Ad Revenue Slump Intensify 
YouTube Agrees to Follow Australia’s New Under-16 Social Media Ban 
Coupang Apologizes After Massive Data Breach Affecting 33.7 Million Users 
ByteDance Unveils New AI Voice Assistant for ZTE Smartphones 
Vietnam’s Growing Use of Chinese 5G Technology Raises Western Concerns 
Banks Consider $38 Billion Funding Boost for Oracle, Vantage, and OpenAI Expansion 
Trump Administration to Secure Equity Stake in Pat Gelsinger’s XLight Startup 
The wait is almost over for Apple’s first launch event of 2021, and a new leak may have given fans a closer look at the redesigned AirPods 3. The third generation of wireless earbuds has been one of the anticipated products to be announced Tuesday.
AirPods 3 may ship with a new design
Reports about the release of AirPods 3 have emerged back in late last year, and one of the constant claims made was that a redesign is in order for the entry-level Apple earbuds. Supposed renders of the unannounced device appeared online last month and corresponded with the rumors that it would don an appearance that resembles the AirPods Pro.
Now, a live photo of the alleged was recently shared by Weibo leaker Uncle Pan, which corresponds with the earlier renders. Based on the latest image released, the AirPods 3 ear tips would appear more oval-shaped, unlike its predecessors. The wireless charging case, which also appears in the same leak, also looks wider, just like the ones that come with the AirPods Pro. The one thing that the rumored AirPods 3 is not copying from the AirPods Pro is the interchangeable silicone tips.
Much earlier reports from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have also suggested that Apple is bringing the system-in-package technology to the AirPods 3. SiP is currently only featured on the AirPods Pro, and it was a crucial component that allowed the company to design the more expensive earbuds with a smaller form factor. It is then not surprising that SiP could also be used on the AirPods 3 to achieve its rumored new design.
AirPods 3 release date, announcement
The timing of the leaked live photo’s release online has fans speculating on whether or not the AirPods 3 would be part of Apple’s Spring Loaded virtual launch event. The new entry-level earbuds were previously expected to ship in early 2021 until Kuo reported in March that the device would not enter mass production until the third quarter of 2021.
Apple fans will have to tune in on Spring Loaded to see if AirPods 3 would be included in the lineup of products that would hit the shelves this month. The event will be streamed on the company’s official YouTube channel on Tuesday, April 20, at 10 a.m. PDT.
Featured photo by David Levêque on Unsplash
