A new image claims to offer our first real look at next-generation Apple AirPods. The image, shared by 52audio, features both AirPods and the charging case for what the site claims to be the third iteration of wireless headphones.
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52audio has in the past distributed images claiming to feature different parts of the third-generation “AirPods”. In particular, the site in November shared an X-ray image that claimed to be the new “AirPods”, however, it later turned out to be a fake and simply a compressed X-ray image of the current generation AirPods Pro .
However, the image shared today is in line with what we know so far about third-generation “AirPods”. Bloomberg reported that the new AirPods will take design cues from irAirPods Pro with a smaller stem and silicone tips, but it looks like they will lack state-of-the-art features such as Active Noise Cancellation.
Conformable 52audio and a supplied leaked image legend, the new ‘AirPods’ will have a pressure relief system, the same technology featured in the ‘AirPods Pro’. The system is designed to equalize the pressure in the ear to eliminate any discomfort from using irAirPods for an extended period of time. Based on the image, the charging case will be less rectangular than the case supplied with AirPods Pro and more in line with the original case AirPods, but with the addition of a front charging LED indicator.
IrAirPods of the third generation can also borrow tactile commands from AirPods Pro. According to the accompanying 3D renderings from 52audio, each new headset will have touch control surfaces, instead of the single and double controls on the current onAirPods (first and second generation).
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The new irAirPods are expected to offer the same five hours of continuous audio playback as the second-generation secondAirPods, according to the latest report. This differs from the details previously provided by BloombergHowever, that claims that Apple is trying to improve the battery life on the new model beyond the current five hours of audio playback. In addition, the new report claims that space audio support, a feature currently exclusive to irAirPods Pro, is “very” likely for the new “AirPods”.
Apple analysts Ming-Chi Kuo said in November that mass production for the new “AirPods” would take place in the first half of the year. Conformable 52audio, the new irAirPods will start debuting in early March. In this week, BloombergMark Gurman has poured cold water on speculation that Apple will hold an event on March 16. However, he left the door open for an event at another time in March.
Leaker Jon Prosser, who has mixed experience when it comes to reporting on Apple’s plans, recently reported that an event on March 16 (now unlikely) will headline AirTags and new iPads. Apple launched irAirPods Pro through a press release in 2019, so it remains to be seen how and when Apple will launch the next generation irAirPods.