‘AirPods 3’

Probability: Medium.

Another product that’s arguably overdue for a refresh is Apple’s AirPods. We say “arguably” because it’s really only been a little over two years, which is about the same time that elapsed between the release of the original AirPods in Dec 2016 and the second-generation AirPods in March 2019.

However, “AirPods 3” have also been the subject of much debate. Several leaked images suggest that they’re ready to go, while reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said last month that mass production of the new AirPods hadn’t even begun yet, nor was it expected to start until later this year.

While both sources can’t be right, it’s also possible that Kuo’s sources are confusing the standard new AirPods with the also-rumoured AirPods Pro, which most sources agree that we won’t see until this fall. The fact that the third-generation AirPods are gaining some design aspects of the current AirPods Pro could also add to this confusion.

What’s Coming: Third-generation AirPods that will feature smaller stems and a tighter in-ear design, similar to the AirPods Pro but without removable ear tips. No Active Noise Cancellation, but possibly support for Spatial Audio. Likely no significant improvements in battery life, either.