Apple AirPods 3 Bring New Design and Spatial Audio
In addition to the new iMac computers, the most anticipated new arrival from Apple's Keynote is undoubtedly AirPods 3. How has the third generation of the popular and design-forward earbuds, first introduced by Apple in 2016 and upgraded with a new version in 2019, evolved and what does it offer? We'll reveal everything in the article.
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The new AirPods 3rd generation are now available for pre-order. Sales start on 26 October 2021.
AirPods 3 – CONTENT
- AirPods 3 are inspired by both the older AirPods and the Pro model
- New H2 chip makes pairing faster
- AirPods 3 deliver Spatial Audio
- AirPods 3 battery: longer battery life, including the case, even in the rain
- Apple AirPods 3 comparison/a>
- Apple AirPods 3: price and availability
AirPods 3 Are Inspired by Both the Older AirPods and the Pro Model
With AirPods 3, whose predecessors were the AirPods of 2016 and then 2019, we have seen the most significant changes in the design. The move towards the higher-end AirPods Pro is quite evident. The most distinctive element of the earphones' design, the stem, which makes them easily recognisable, has been preserved. Only it has been made slightly shorter. It means that there's less risk of accidentally knocking the earphones out of your ear. The earphones are now equipped with a touch sensor for control.
The earphones have also been given new and slightly more comfortable ends and, according to the company, should fit better in your ears. The speaker has also been completely redesigned, which, according to the manufacturer, promises better sound quality.
New H2 Chip Makes Pairing Faster
Apple has equipped its AirPods 3 with the new H2 chip. This will ensure fast and stable pairing with other Apple devices and the recognition of individual devices should also improve. Pairing is also made faster by the fact that you only need to pair AirPods 3 with one device and the others will connect automatically based on your Apple ID. All you have to do is switch between your devices. Audio itself is again transferred using Bluetooth.
AirPods 3 Deliver Spatial Audio
Progress has also been made in the area of the sound itself. There is no ANC, i.e. active noise cancellation. Neither is the transparent mode, which lets in the ambient noise to keep you in the loop on what's going on around you. Both these features are reserved for AirPods Pro.
However, AirPods 3, just like the Pro model or AirPods Max, now deliver Spatial Audio. What it means is that the sound responds to your turning your head relative to the sound source. So if you're playing music from your iPhone on your desk, for instance, and you turn your head to the left, you'll hear the music playing from the right side. There's also the addition of Adaptive EQ, which adjusts the sound for each user to achieve the most faithful listening experience.
AirPods 3 Battery: Longer Battery Life, Including the Case, Even in the Rain
There had been speculation for some time that Apple would finally add some form of external protection, and the 3rd generation of AirPods confirms it. In fact, the model offers greater resistance to moisture - which will come in handy especially during sports, sweat and rain no longer being an issue. There have also been minor changes to the design of the case, which is now almost square-shaped.
An even bigger shift, however, is the larger battery, which gives the earphones a 6-hour battery life on a single charge. With the use of a charging case, they reach up to 30 hours. What's more, the new Apple AirPods 3 case supports the MagSafe wireless charger. Simply place them on this magnetic charging pad and they'll start charging.
Apple AirPods 3 Comparison
Where do Apple AirPods 3 stand compared to their predecessors? Take a look at the table below, where we've compared some key specs.
| Parameter/model | Apple AirPods 3 | Apple Airpods 2019 | Apple AirPods 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of release | 2021 | 2019 | 2016 |
| Chip | H2 | H1 | W1 |
| Wirelessly charged case | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Water resistance* | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Battery life | 6/30 hours | 5/24 hours | 5/24 hours |
| Price** | CZK 4,990 | CZK 3,490*** | - |
**Prices are valid as of 18 October 2021
***Apple AirPods 2019 with a wireless charging case cost CZK 4,690
Apple AirPods 3: Price and Availability
Apple's new AirPods 3 will be available on Tuesday 26 October 2021, but you can pre-order them right now. The price of the earphones is CZK 4,990.
Apple AirPods 3 have brought a design and functional shift from the previous two generations. They are going to compete for customers' wallets in the run-up to Christmas, betting on their more modern look, longer battery life and Spatial Audio.
