AirPods 3, AirPods 2 release date, features: Here’s all the upgrades and design tweaks to expect in 2021

The year 2020 was a quiet one for Apple’s own wireless earbuds line, but that is expected to change in the coming month. The tech giant is anticipated to make announcements for the much-awaited AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2, and here are some of the early rumors about their designs and features.

AirPods 3: Entry-level features with new design

Apple is expected to introduce new entry-level wireless earbuds likely to be named AirPods 3. Various credible sources agree that it is planned to launch with a new design, but already familiar.

The AirPods 3 is expected to take on the form factor initially used for the first AirPods Pro. In that case, the next entry-level wireless earbuds will likely feature an in-ear design. It could also feature interchangeable earbud tips. The smaller build also suggests Apple could adopt the system-in-package technology, which was also present on the high-end earbuds.

AirPods 3 may end up looking like the AirPods Pro, but that is where the similarity ends. It will still be an entry-level product, so Apple fans should not expect it to have high-end features like the Active Noise Cancellation.

It is still unclear what upgraded features could be expected on the AirPods 3.

AirPods Pro 2: MagSafe-compatible charging case?

More changes are planned for the AirPods Pro 2 design-wise since it will not make sense for it to look exactly like the AirPods 3. It is anticipated to feature an all-new form factor, and Apple has been reportedly testing a design where the earbuds will no longer have stems.

The new earbuds form factor is likely to affect the charging case’s appearance as well. However, redesigning the AirPods Pro 2 case could have more functions. It is expected to be slightly smaller than its predecessor, possibly to match the size of the MagSafe charging puck.

It does not necessarily mean the case would have magnetic features, though. If the case would be small enough, AirPods Pro 2 users can simply dock it on the MagSafe charger.

Meanwhile, there is no word yet if Apple is working on a next-gen chip for the AirPods launching this year. A specific release date is still unknown, but both earbuds are reportedly planned to arrive within 2021.

Featured photo by AB on Unsplash