A new image claims to provide our first real look at Apple’s next-generation AirPods. The picture, divided by 52 audio, shows both AirPods and the charging case for what the site claims to be the third iteration of the wireless earbuds.
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52 audio has shared images in the past claiming to show different parts of the third generation AirPods. Most notably, in November the site shared an X-ray claiming to be the new AirPods, but it later turned out to be a fake and just a compressed X-ray of the current generation AirPods Pro.
However, the picture shared today matches what we know about the third-generation thirdAirPods so far. Bloomberg has reported that the new AirPods will take design cues from the AirPods Pro by having a smaller stem and silicone ear tips, but will reportedly lack high-end features such as Active Noise Cancelation.
According to 52 audio and captioning the leaked image, the new AirPods will have a pressure-relieving system, the same technology as in the AirPods Pro. The system is designed to equalize the pressure in your ear to alleviate discomfort during prolonged use of the AirPods. Based on the image, the charging case will be less rectangular than the case that comes with the AirPods Pro, and more similar to the original AirPods case, but with the addition of a LED charging indicator on the front.
The third generation generationAirPods can also borrow touch controls from the AirPods Pro. According to accompanying 3D renderings of 52 audio, each new earbud will have touch control surfaces, instead of the single and double tap controls on the current AirPods (1st and 2nd generation).
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According to the latest report, the new AirPods are expected to provide the same five hours of continuous audio playback as the second-generation AirPods. This differs from previously provided data by Bloomberghowever, which claims that Apple wants to improve the battery life of the new model beyond the current five hours of audio playback. Additionally, the new report claims that support for Spatial Audio, a feature currently exclusive to AirPods Pro, is “highly” likely for the new AirPods.
Apple analysts Ming-Chi Kuo said in November that mass production of the new AirPods will take place in the first half of the year. According to 52 audio, the new AirPods will be released in early March. This week, BloombergMark Gurman poured cold water into the speculation that Apple will hold an event on March 16. However, he left the door open for an event on a different date in March.
Leaker Jon Prosser, who has a mixed track record when it comes to reporting on Apple’s plans, recently reported that an event on March 16 (now unlikely) will be the headliner on AirTags and new iPads. Apple released the AirPods Pro through a press release in 2019, so it remains to be seen how and when Apple will release the next generation of AirPods..