Apple looks to add some “Pro” features to the third-generation AirPods
All of the different AirPods models released by Apple over the years
The post by 52 Audio also indicates that Apple may include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with the AirPods 3. That would lead us to reach the conclusion that Apple is going to have to come up with a stunning new feature for the AirPods Pro sequel. This would be necessary in order to distinguish the “Pro” model from the “non-Pro” buds. Otherwise, why bother paying more for the more expensive pair? As long as we’re on this subject, the AirPods 3 charging case looks like a smaller version of the AirPods Pro case. The charging light is on the front of the case and the case supports wireless charging. There is also an “infrared distance sensor” and there could be a microphone at the bottom of the stem for phone calls.
Comparing the AirPods 3 at left with the AirPods Pro
Another iPad Pro feature that might be seen on the new AirPods is spatial audio. This allows the device to compute where the user’s head is in relation to his iPhone screen allowing him to watch a movie and hear special effect sounds right behind him, or in front of him, using only the speaker system in the AirPods. Simply put, this feature allows the placement of sound 360 degrees around the user’s head.
Under the hood, the third-generation AirPods are likely to be powered by the new H2 chip. The OG AirPods, launched in December 2016, were powered by the W1 chip. Apple upgraded to the H1 when the second-generation model was released in March 2019. Speaking about adding something new to its line of true wireless earbuds, Apple appears ready to add health-related functions to the AirPods. 52 Audio states that a Blood Oxygen sensor will monitor the percentage of oxygen being carried by the user’s red blood cells. This reading can reveal how well oxygenated blood is circulating throughout a person’s body.
The third-generation AirPods could be unveiled early next month with a redesigned charging case
Battery life is expected to be the same as experienced on the second-generation AirPods. That works out to about 5 hours (more than 24 hours when charging multiple times using the case). The product also delivers up to 18 hours of talk time or up to three hours on a single charge. If you’re in a rush, a single 15 minute charge in the charging case will provide three hours of listening time and up to two hours of talk time.
We could see the third-generation AirPods unveiled early next month (possibly alongside new iPad Pro and iPad mini models and the Apple AirTags item tracker). The price of the new AirPods is expected to be in the range of $150.
