Apple launched third-generation AirPods with a new design, spatial audio

On Monday, Apple’s ‘Unleashed’ event revealed the third-generation AirPods, also known as AirPods 3. (third-generation). The new AirPods 2 replace the AirPods 2, which were released in March of this year. The Apple AirPods (third-generation) has an upgraded design that resembles the AirPods Pro, as opposed to the previous model or the original AirPods, which were released in 2016. Shorter stems provide a better grip and improve ergonomics. The new AirPods also include a wireless charging case that adheres to Apple’s MagSafe protocol. In addition to the new AirPods, Apple announced the Apple Music Voice service and three new HomePod mini colour options: Blue, Orange, and Yellow.

Price and availability of Apple AirPods (third-generation) in India

In India, Apple AirPods (third-generation) cost Rs. 18,500. The new Apple India Online Store will begin taking pre-orders for the new truly wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds on Monday, and they will be available for purchase on Tuesday, October 26. In the United States, the new AirPods will cost $179. (roughly Rs. 13,500). The earbuds will be available in more than 26 countries and regions starting Tuesday.

In India, the AirPods (2nd Generation) went on sale in 2019 for Rs. 14,900. A wireless charging case was also introduced by Apple, which costs Rs. 18,900. In the United States, the AirPods 2 were released for $79 (roughly Rs. 5,800), with a $199 price tag for the model with the wireless charging case (roughly Rs. 14,600).

The AirPods (2nd Generation) are not being phased out, and a new price of Rs. 12,900 will be available. The AirPods Pro will be available for the same price as before, which is Rs. 24,900.

Apple also released the HomePod mini in Blue, Orange, and Yellow, as well as White and Grey, in addition to the AirPods (third-generation). Apple India Online Store and Apple Authorized Resellers will start selling the new colour options in November.

Specifications of Apple AirPods (third-generation)

The most noticeable and significant change that the Apple AirPods (third-generation) brings is the AirPods Pro-like design. The earbuds have a Force sensor for pressure control, just like the AirPods Pro. The AirPods (third-generation) also feature the same hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ voice assistant as the previous model. Dolby Atmos is also supported by Apple Music. The new model also includes a custom driver and a high dynamic range amplifier, both of which are said to improve bass output and deliver clean high frequencies.

Apple has added support for the AAC-ELD codec for FaceTime calls, which provides full HD voice quality. Adaptive EQ, which is said to help tune the sound in real-time based on how AirPods fit in the user’s ear, is also included. Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking is now available on the AirPods (third-generation), which was previously only available on the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

Apple claims that the new AirPods have a skin-detect sensor that can accurately detect whether the earbuds are in the ear, in a pocket, or on a table, and can pause playback when they are removed.

With up to six hours of listening time and four hours of talk time, Apple claims that the AirPods (third-generation) have an hour more battery life than previous generations. With the included case, which supports the MagSafe protocol, wireless charging is also possible. Furthermore, after only five minutes of charging, the AirPods (third-generation) are rated to provide an hour of battery life. Users will get 30 hours of total listening time with four additional charges in the case.