Here’s everything that we know so far about the next generation of Apple earbuds, including when they could be released in the UK.
It’s looking increasingly likely that the next iPhone won’t be the only product unveiled by Apple this year, with the next generation of its wireless earbuds series, the AirPods, being tipped for release alongside new smartphones.
To see the impact of Apple’s AirPods, you only need to take a walk down the street: everywhere you look, you’ll likely see people wearing these slim, white earbuds in their ears. Sure, there’s a good chance that some of these might be third-party lookalikes – but they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Apple’s first-gen AirPods were released back in 2016, followed by the AirPods 2 in 2019. As you can read in our in-depth Apple AirPods review, though these iconic little earbuds aren’t without flaws, our experts loved their comfortable fit and the highly intuitive connection that they offer – unsurprisingly – for iOS users.
That’s why we’re excited to see what developments and upgrades will be in store for what’s being dubbed the AirPods 3 – although that’s not an official name.
Despite the AirPods being absent from the Apple Spring Loaded event in April – used to showcase a new iMac, iPad Pro, a purple iPhone 12 and the AirTags – we are now learning more about what the next-gen buds could look like upon their release.
Here’s what we know so far about the AirPods 3, which will join the existing line-up – the AirPods, AirPods Pro and the over-ear alternative called the AirPods Max.
- Don’t miss our Apple AirPods vs AirPods Pro buyer’s guide.
AirPods 3 rumoured release date
We expect the new AirPods to be released in tandem with the new series of iPhone – currently known as the iPhone 13. Apple has not yet confirmed an exact date for their release, however multiple reports have suggested the buds will be available in the second half of 2021 – and potentially as early as September.
A report from DigiTimes, published on July 23rd, cited supply chain sources while claiming the new AirPods could debut at an Apple event in the second half of this year. Apple usually reveals iPhones around September, although last year the 12 series surfaced in October due to disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Adding to the speculation was a report from Nikkei Asia, which said new AirPods would be released in the second half of 2021 alongside iPhones and MacBooks.
AirPods 3 rumoured design and specs
The next-generation AirPods – which are Apple’s entry level earbuds – will be the first major refresh since 2019, and speculation suggests the new set will take some aesthetic inspiration from the current AirPods Pro. Specifically, leaks containing photos of the new pair show them to have a shorter stem and a rounder body.
Renders purporting to show the new AirPods have been circulating online since at least March this year – but Apple is yet to reveal any official product images. Of course, internet rumours should always be taken with a degree of scepticism. It’s unclear if the upcoming AirPods 3 will have silicone tips like the Pro version.
Based on the speculation so far, it’s unlikely the AirPods 3 will incorporate the active noise cancellation (ANC) tech that defined the Airpods Pro, either.
That’s a shame: we’d love to see new AirPods sport noise-reduction tech – but it feels like a long shot, given the substantial price difference that puts the AirPods Pro in a class of their own. It seems likely Apple will continue to offer two classes of earbuds with its next releases, so the AirPods could remain a base model.
We suspect there’ll be internal upgrades, though, in the form of a new processor. The AirPods 2 featured the H1 chip that was a marked upgrade on the W1 of the first set. That was two years ago, and Apple has had plenty of time two develop a processor which will offer even smoother performance – for iOS users at least.
AirPods 3 price: cheaper than AirPods Pro?
Apple has not said anything about the pricing of the new AirPods – but we can get a rough idea based on their predecessors’ cost. Upon their release, the AirPods 2 cost £199 with a wireless charging case and £159 with a wired charging case.
It’s unclear if Apple will continue to offer the two different options, but one thing we feel confident about is that the next true wireless AirPods won’t cost anywhere near that of the AirPods Pro, which boast noise-cancelling tech but come with the eyes-watering RRP of £249 (although you’ll find them on offer at Amazon).
At the time of writing, the AirPods with wireless charging case are £156.00, while the AirPods with a wired charging case are priced at £124.99.
Way back in March, the website MacRumors (via 52 audio) reported the AirPods 3 could cost around $150, which broadly aligns with what is now expected from the pricing. Luckily, it’s looking likely we don’t have too long to wait to get answers.
If you are currently shopping for Apple earbuds and want to know more about how they perform, our expert reviewers have previously tested them out:
- Apple AirPods review (2nd gen)
- Apple AirPods Pro review
And don’t miss our in-depth tests of Apple phones, including the iPhone 12 review, iPhone 12 Pro review, iPhone 12 Mini review and iPhone 12 Pro Max review.
For the latest news, reviews and deals check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section. Still unsure about what iPhone to pick up? Read our iPhone 12 vs mini vs Pro vs Pro Max comparison guide for a full breakdown of the key differences.