Apple AirPods 3 Release Date, Features: Accessory Might Arrive Later This Year

While no definite Apple AirPods 3 release date is yet to be announced, rumors about what the upcoming headphone might feature continue to swirl around. These are the updates on the accessory, which has been tentatively named the AirPods Pro, based on the latest reports.

According to Forbes, Apple decided not to attach a number to the accessory. Rather, it will be officially called AirPods Pro and not the previously assumed name of AirPods 3.

Forbes also reported that the AirPods Pro will have an all-new design. While the publication has not explained how different it might look compared to older models, the headphone will be “different-looking, but still unquestionably an Apple gadget.”

Meanwhile, Tech Radar hinted that the accessory might be a bit larger than its predecessors. This is based upon the design of its carrying case, which is supposedly leaked by ESR, a phone accessories manufacturer.

In a site containing a listing of what is described as an “AirPods Pro Cover,” it was revealed that the wireless earphones will have a “wider carrying case” compared to previous models. However, Tech Radar warned that the product listing might just be ESR’s marketing stunt and does not reflect the exact dimensions of the actual case.

Another exciting feature for the Apple AirPods 3 is that it will have noise canceling. Forbes reported that this is made possible by introducing flexible ear tips for a better fit as well as boosting audio quality by insulating background noise.

It comes with three pairs of ear tips of different sizes and there’s an Ear Tip Fit Test with advanced algorithm to help users decide which pair fits them best. “In just seconds, the algorithm detects whether the ear tip is the right size and has a good fit, or should be adjusted to create a better seal,” Apple announced.

Aside from the passive noise-canceling properties of the snugly fit ear tips, the accessory will have active noise canceling as well so users can still enjoy music even at the noisiest of places. However, the active noise-canceling can be turned off by activating the newly-introduced Transparency Mode, so one can still listen to conversations without taking them off.

The Apple AirPods 3 will reportedly cost $260 when it hits the market. While no launch date has been announced at the moment, there are indications that a late-2019 release is still possible.