After more than a year of staying in the rumor mill, Apple has finally unveiled the AirPods 3. Previously leaked renders of the new wireless earbuds were accurate, but the surprise was that it also has several features similar to the AirPods Pro.
AirPods 3 specs, features, compatibility
While Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode are still exclusive to AirPods Pro, the AirPods 3 is confirmed to support spatial audio, which is Apple’s version of surround sound that functions with dynamic head tracking. The newest Apple wireless earbuds also feature an adaptive equalizer and have the same sweat and water-resistant (IPX4) capability as the AirPods Pro.
It has been reported for a long time that the AirPods 3 will sport a design that resembles the AirPods Pro. But the official technical specifications page confirms that the newly announced device, including its MagSafe charging case, is more compact. The AirPods 3’s dimensions are 30.79 x 18.26 x 19.21mm, while the AirPods Pro’s are 30.9 x 21.8 x 24.0mm. Unlike the Pro-branded earbuds, the AirPods 3 does not have interchangeable silicone tips.
One of the key upgrades in AirPods 3 is its battery life, which is advertised to be longer than even the AirPods Pro. Apple says the new product can deliver up to six hours of listening time or up to 4 hours of talk time in a single charge. The charging case, which now uses a USB-C cable, can store up to 30 hours of listening time. In comparison, the AirPods Pro’s listening time was only up to 4.5 hours, while its charging case can only add 24 hours of listening time.
There are also notable changes in the list of AirPods 3’s supported Apple devices compared to the second-generation AirPods. The latest earbuds are no longer compatible with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPad Air 1, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, and iPod touch 6. Apple also notes that the AirPods 3 will need the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, and tvOS.
AirPods 3 release date, price
With the confirmed features and specs of the AirPods 3, a price increase to $179 seems justifiable. Apple fans can now place their orders if they no longer want to wait for the rumored next-generation AirPods Pro. But AirPods 3 deliveries will not start until Oct. 26.


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