A new image claims to offer our first real-world look at Apple’s next-generation AirPods. The image, shared by 52 audience, displays both AirPods and the drawer for what the website claims to be the third version of the wireless earbuds.
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52 audience has shared images in the past claiming to display different parts of the third generation generationAirPods. Most importantly, the site shared an X-ray in November claiming to be the new ‘AirPods’, but it was later proven to be fake and merely a compressed X-ray of the current generation AirPods Pro.
However, the image shared today is consistent with what we know so far about the third-generation ‘AirPods’. Bloomberg reported that the new AirPods design directions will take the AirPods Pro design by having smaller stem and silicone earplugs, but they will reportedly lack competent features such as Active Noise Canceling.
According to 52 audience and a caption of the leaked image, the new AirPods will feature a pressure relief system, the same technology found in the AirPods Pro. The system is meant to compare the pressure in your ear to remove any discomfort by using the ‘AirPods’ for a long period of time. Based on the image, the drawer will be less rectangular than the case with the AirPods Pro, and more in line with the original AirPods cover, but with the addition of an LED charging indicator on the front.
The third generation AirPods can also borrow touch controls from the AirPods Pro. According to the accompanying 3D versions of 52 audience, each new earplug will contain touch control surfaces, instead of the single and double tap controls on the current AirPods (first and second generation).
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The new AirPods are expected to play the same five hours of continuous audio as the second-generation AirPods, according to the latest report. This differs from the details given earlier by Bloomberghowever, which claims that Apple wants to improve battery life on the new model after the current five-hour audio version. Furthermore, the new report claims that the support of Spatial Audio, a feature that is currently exclusive to the AirPods Pro, is likely for the new AirPods.
Apple analysts Ming-Chi Kuo said in November that mass production for the new AirPods would take place in the first half of the year. According to 52 audiencelaunches the new AirPods at the beginning of March. This week, BloombergA Mark Gurman has thrown cold water over the speculation that Apple will hold a meeting on March 16. However, he left the door open for an event on another date in March.
Leaker Jon Prosser, who has a mixed record for reporting on Apple’s plans, recently reported that an event on March 16 (now unlikely) will be the headline of AirTags and new iPads. Apple released the AirPods Pro via a press release in 2019, so it remains to be seen how and when Apple will release the next generation AirPods.