Apple AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 might sport all-new design

Updated on 26-Oct-2020
HIGHLIGHTS

Next version of Apple AirPods might have a shorter stem.

AirPods Pro might ditch the stem altogether.

AirPods Studio headphones allegedly delayed due to headband issues.

Apple pushed the envelope a few years ago when they removed the headphone jack from the iPhone, ushering in a forced transition to the era of wireless audio. Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro have been becoming increasingly popular amongst Apple device users, however, they are not cheap. The AirPods cost Rs 18,900 while the AirPods Pro cost Rs 24900, no small price tag by any means. However, if newest rumours are to be believed, Apple might be working on a entry level AirPods alongside a refresh to the AirPod Pro for release next year.

The story was first broken by Bloomberg, which reports that Cupertino is working on the third-generation AirPods and the second iteration of the immensely popular AirPods Pro. Bloomberg further adds that the AirPods might finally lose their unusually long stem, being replaced by a much shorter one like that on the current AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro on the other hand are rumoured to completely forego the stem, adopting a more circular design. The report does further clarify that as of now, the designs are not final, since Apple has yet to figure out how to pack in wireless antennas, notice cancelling hardware and also the W-series chip along with a battery.

The AirPod Studio over-the-ear headphones that had long been rumoured are now allegedly delayed due to issues with the headband. Sources familiar with the production say that the headband was too tight in some testing, and as a result, the device has not yet gone into production. The report further adds that due to the delays, some of the functionality that Apple had earlier envisioned would be dropped. This could include things like the large touch-sensitive control pad and a replaceable headband being dropped, but the ear pads will still allegedly be replaceable.

Currently, Apple offers only the AirPods and AirPods Pro in its audio portfolio, between the two, only the latter having active noise cancellation. This leaves room for Apple to add more form-factors and designs, such as headphones and workout-oriented IEMs. Sony recently launched the WF-SP800N, a truly wireless IEM with water resistance designed to be worn during workouts. Currently, the AirPods Pro do not offer a very secure fit when it comes to working out.

Apple pushed the envelope a few years ago when they removed the headphone jack from the iPhone, ushering in a forced transition to the era of wireless audio. Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro have been becoming increasingly popular amongst Apple device users, however, they are not cheap. The AirPods cost Rs 18,900 while the AirPods Pro cost Rs 24900, no small price tag by any means. However, if newest rumours are to be believed, Apple might be working on a entry level AirPods alongside a refresh to the AirPod Pro for release next year.

The story was first broken by Bloomberg, which reports that Cupertino is working on the third-generation AirPods and the second iteration of the immensely popular AirPods Pro. Bloomberg further adds that the AirPods might finally lose their unusually long stem, being replaced by a much shorter one like that on the current AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro on the other hand are rumoured to completely forego the stem, adopting a more circular design. The report does further clarify that as of now, the designs are not final, since Apple has yet to figure out how to pack in wireless antennas, notice cancelling hardware and also the W-series chip along with a battery.

The AirPod Studio over-the-ear headphones that had long been rumoured are now allegedly delayed due to issues with the headband. Sources familiar with the production say that the headband was too tight in some testing, and as a result, the device has not yet gone into production. The report further adds that due to the delays, some of the functionality that Apple had earlier envisioned would be dropped. This could include things like the large touch-sensitive control pad and a replaceable headband being dropped, but the ear pads will still allegedly be replaceable.

Currently, Apple offers only the AirPods and AirPods Pro in its audio portfolio, between the two, only the latter having active noise cancellation. This leaves room for Apple to add more form-factors and designs, such as headphones and workout-oriented IEMs. Sony recently launched the WF-SP800N, a truly wireless IEM with water resistance designed to be worn during workouts. Currently, the AirPods Pro do not offer a very secure fit when it comes to working out.

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