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Just in case you needed another reason to pick the long-awaited AirPods 3 from today’s crowd of great true wireless earbuds options, it turns out that Apple chose not to advertise an interesting new feature exclusive to these bad boys at all.
Obviously, we’re not talking about anything truly game-changing, but it’s certainly… interesting (in lack of a better word) that the third-gen “standard” AirPods are bundled with a water-resistant charging case while the AirPods Pro are not.
To be perfectly clear, the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro themselves come with the exact same IPX4 water protection rating. But that standard only applies to the MagSafe case sold alongside the former product as well, with no sweat or water resistance provided by the Pro’s case whatsoever.
IPX4, meanwhile, simply means that the third-gen AirPods (and their bundled charging case) can survive water splashes and not water jets or full immersion for any period of time.
In other words, Apple‘s latest contender for the title of best true wireless earbuds money can buy will still work after a sweaty gym session or a few drops of rain, and the same goes for the hot new MagSafe charging case (unless purchased alongside the AirPods Pro).
Speaking of purchases, you might be happy to know that Amazon already has the AirPods 3 on sale at a $5 markdown from their $179 list price, with deliveries set to kick off tomorrow, October 26.
