More leaked photos that allegedly show the Apple AirPods 3 revealed a major change in the design of the wireless headphones.
The images were posted on Twitter by LeaksApplePro, and show what appears to be a pair of AirPods with shorter stems, supporting earlier rumors that the next AirPods would follow some noise-canceling AirPods Pro styling tips.
Not only that, but renderings of the new AirPods were posted by GizmoChina, with the website claiming that the images came from suppliers of the alleged headphones.
These renderers are very similar to the photos posted by LeaksApplePro, as well as the previous images that were leaked by 52Audio in late February.
Based on the images, it does not appear that the AirPods 3 will come with silicone headphones like the AirPods Pro, although there are rumors that they will come with replaceable headphones of some description. How they will be attached to the new ‘Pods’ is still a mystery.
When will AirPods 3 be released?
Almost two years have passed since the last iteration of Apple’s real wireless headphones, the AirPods (2019), naturally there are rumors of another updated model coming our way.
Although there were rumors that the Apple AirPods 3 fell on the market before 2020 was out, they never materialized – and now everything points to a 2021 release date.
They could also be released soon. The first major Apple event of the year could take place on March 23, as postulated by the well-known leaker DuanRui, who stated the same in a tweet. Interestingly, this coincides with the OnePlus 9 reveal which is also scheduled for March 23.
Another Apple informant, Jon Prosser, added fuel to the speculation in a tweet that featured only the number “23”. Prosser elaborated in a follow-up tweet that “AirTags, iPad Pro, AirPods, Apple TV” are all “products that are ready”.
Of course, the next AirPods may be a continuation of AirPods Pro, rather than an updated version of Apple’s non-ANC headsets.
A Bloomberg report (among others) stated that the AirPods Pro 2 would be released this year and could be subject to a dramatic design review, removing the tip of the ears that made the original AirPods so instantly recognizable.
Since then, the Japanese blog MacOtakara, which is often right in its predictions from Apple, has claimed that the AirPods Pro 2 will arrive in April 2021 along with the iPhone SE 3 – making the March 23 announcement even more reliable.
Whatever the shape of the next AirPods, we will be on the lookout for any future leakage until March 23rd.