AirPods 3 are here: everything you need to know

After years of speculation, the Apple AirPods 3 have finally been announced, with a host of new upgrades to help them compete with the best true wireless earbuds on the planet. 

Picking up where the 2019 AirPods left off, the new AirPods 3 were announced at Apple’s Unleashed event, where we were also treated to new colors for the Apple HomePod mini.

New features include support for Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking (like the AirPods Pro and the AirPods Max), adaptive EQ, and a longer battery life.

The third-gen AirPods cost $179 (about £130 / AU$240), and will be available to buy from next week.

AirPods 3 release date

The third-gen Apple AirPods are available to preorder now, and will officially go on sale “next week”, according to the company – that’s the week commencing October 25, though a firm date is yet to be announced.

(Image credit: Apple)

AirPods 3 price

The Apple AirPods 3 (2021) cost $179, and while global pricing is yet to be announced, that works out at around £130 / AU$240. 

That’s pricier than the second-gen AirPods, which started at $159 / £159 / AU$249 with a standard charging case, going up to $199 / £199 / AU$319 if you opted for a wireless charging case when they launched in 2019. 

However, Apple has now announced that the second-gen AirPods have been given a permanent price drop, and now cost $129 (about £90 / AU$170).

(Image credit: Apple)

AirPods 3 design

While Apple hasn’t released too much information on the design of the new AirPods 3, it looks like the company has taken a few cues from the look of the AirPods Pro. 

The long, protruding stems that made the 2019 AirPods so easily recognizable have been swapped out for shorter stems that feature touch-capacitive sensors. If they’re anything like the AirPods Pro, this means you’ll be able to squeeze the stems to control your music playback and more. 

The housings of the AirPods 3 has changed too, with a more streamlined look than their predecessors. Apple says that the contoured design will “deliver sound directly into your ear”. 

Unlike the AirPods Pro, there are no interchangeable eartips, so you may find that Apple’s noise-cancelling earbuds still deliver better sound isolation – and as a result, a more powerful bass performance, as well as reduced sound leakage. 

Another new feature for the third-gen AirPods is sweat and water resistance, so you should be able to use them while working out without worrying about a little sweat or a spot of rain. Apple is yet to confirm what IP rating the AirPods 3 have, but we’d expect an IPX4 rating or above, like the AirPods Pro. 

This is a developing story. Stayed tuned for more updates.

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