Introducing the next generation of AirPods (2024)

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PRESS RELEASE October 18, 2021

The new AirPods feature spatial audio and industry-leading sound, longer battery life, and an all-new design

The new AirPods feature spatial audio and industry-leading sound, longer battery life, and an all-new design.

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIAApple today announced the third generation of AirPods featuring spatial audio, delivering advanced features and a magical experience in a new contoured design. By combining the power of the H1 chip with an Apple-designed acoustic system, the new AirPods use computational audio to deliver breakthrough sound with Adaptive EQ. Users can enjoy spatial audio featuring Dolby Atmos in Apple Music, movies, and tv shows, along with dynamic head tracking, across Apple devices. The new AirPods are resistant to sweat and water, and feature a force sensor for easy and intuitive control of music and phone calls. The extended battery life enables up to six hours of listening time1 and up to 30 hours of total listening time with the convenient charging case. AirPods (3rd generation) join the world’s most popular family of headphones and are available to order starting today, and in stores beginning Tuesday, October 26.

“AirPods forever changed wireless headphones with their groundbreaking design, incredible sound, and magical experience,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We are excited to introduce the next generation of AirPods, featuring unrivaled sound through Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, along with seamless interaction between Apple devices — making the world’s best-selling headphones even better.”

All-New Design

The new design of AirPods is lightweight and contoured, sitting at just the right angle for comfort and to direct audio into the ear. For a more subtle appearance, the stem is shorter than the previous generation and features the same intuitive force sensor as AirPods Pro for media control. The new AirPods are resistant to both sweat and water, with an IPX4 rating for both the earbuds and the charging case.2

The new AirPods are resistant to both sweat and water, with an IPX4 rating for both the earbuds and the case.

Breakthrough Audio Features

AirPods (3rd generation) build on the great sound quality that AirPods are known for, starting with a custom driver and a high dynamic range amplifier that together produce powerful bass with crisp, clean high frequencies. The microphone is covered by an acoustic mesh to help reduce the sound of wind, so the speaker’s voice comes across distinctly on calls. AirPods also feature AAC-ELD, a superior speech codec that offers full HD voice quality, providing clear, natural communication for FaceTime calls.

The new AirPods use computational audio to bring the breakthrough experiences that customers love on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max— like Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking — to even more people.

The powerful H1 chip combines with an Apple-designed acoustic system, and uses computational audio to deliver breakthrough sound with Adaptive EQ.

For an optimal listening experience with rich detail, the new AirPods feature Adaptive EQ that tunes sound in real time based on how AirPods fit in the user’s ear. An inward-facing microphone monitors for sound, and then Adaptive EQ, powered by computational audio, tunes the low and mid frequencies to account for what may be lost due to variances in fit.

Spatial audio creates a three-dimensional theater-like experience, placing sound virtually anywhere in space, and with Dolby Atmos, AirPods have never sounded better. Users can also enjoy this multi-level experience with dynamic head tracking, so music, video, and even Group FaceTime calls feel more immersive than ever before. Using advanced spatial audio algorithms, and by applying directional audio filters to subtly adjust the frequencies that each ear receives, the new AirPods can place sound all around the user.

AirPods users can enjoy Dolby Atmos in Apple Music and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking across Apple devices.

Magical Experience

With one-touch setup that automatically pairs AirPods with other Apple devices, users can effortlessly enjoy music throughout the day. Audio Sharing allows listeners to share the audio stream between two sets of AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, while using iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV.

A new skin-detect sensor accurately discerns if AirPods are in the ear — versus in a pocket or on a table — and pauses playback when removed. To help with sound clarity, beamforming microphones block out ambient noise and focus on the user’s voice, while users can also enjoy a hands-free experience by simply saying “Hey Siri” for requests.

One-touch setup automatically pairs AirPods with other Apple devices.

Longer Battery Life

AirPods (3rd generation) offer an extra hour of battery life over the previous generations, with up to six hours of listening time and up to four hours of talk time. Just five minutes of charging provides about an hour of battery life, and with four additional charges in the case, users can get up to 30 hours of total listening time.3 AirPods are now also part of the MagSafe ecosystem for convenient wireless charging.

AirPods (3rd generation) offer an extra hour of battery life and convenient wireless charging with MagSafe.

AirPods with iOS and iPadOS

AirPods offer exceptional convenience and sound quality, and with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, users can enjoy the following features:

  • With spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, voices in a Group FaceTime call sound like they’re coming from the direction in which the person is positioned on the screen, making it seem as if everyone is in the same room.4
  • Announce Notifications allows Siri to read important time-sensitive notifications, including alerts from Messages, Reminders, Calendar, and calls, as well as any third-party apps that adopt the API.
  • AirPods are now part of the Find My network of hundreds of millions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers around the world, offering proximity view in the Find My app and Lost Mode, as well as separation alerts and sounds.

Apple and the Environment

AirPods are designed with numerous materials and features to reduce their environmental impact, including the 100 percent recycled rare earth elements used in all magnets. The case also uses 100 percent recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board, and 100 percent recycled aluminum in the hinge. AirPods are also free of potentially harmful substances such as mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium. For energy efficiency, AirPods meet US Department of Energy requirements for battery charger systems. Apple’s Zero Waste program helps suppliers eliminate waste sent to landfills, and all final assembly supplier sites are transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy for Apple production. In the packaging, 100 percent of the virgin wood fiber comes from responsibly managed forests.

Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations, and by 2030, plans to have net-zero climate impact across the entire business, which includes manufacturing supply chains and all product life cycles. This means that every Apple device sold, from component manufacturing, assembly, transport, customer use, charging, all the way through recycling and material recovery, will be 100 percent carbon neutral.

Pricing and Availability

  • AirPods (3rd generation) will be available for $179 (US) and are available to order from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in the US and more than 26 other countries and regions starting today, with availability in stores beginning Tuesday, October 26.
  • AirPods (2nd generation) will be available at the new price of $129 (US).
  • AirPods Pro now come with MagSafe Charging Case for the same price of $249 (US).
  • With the Apple Music Voice Plan, users can enjoy millions of songs, playlists, and stations in the Apple Music catalog through Siri. The Apple Music Voice Plan will be available later this fall in select countries and regions for $4.99 (US) per month.
  • New subscribers can get Apple Music free for six months with the purchase of any AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max.5
  • AirPods require Apple devices running iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1, tvOS 15.1, or macOS Monterey, all available as free software updates next week.
  • Customers can add personal engraving with emoji, text, and numbers to cases for AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd generation), and AirPods (2nd generation) for free onapple.com/storeand in the Apple Store app.
  • Text of this article

    October 18, 2021

    PRESS RELEASE

    Introducing the next generation of AirPods: The world’s most popular wireless headphones just got better

    The new AirPods feature spatial audio and industry-leading sound, longer battery life, and an all-new design

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIAApple today announced the third generation of AirPods featuring spatial audio, delivering advanced features and a magical experience in a new contoured design. By combining the power of the H1 chip with an Apple-designed acoustic system, the new AirPods use computational audio to deliver breakthrough sound with Adaptive EQ. Users can enjoy spatial audio featuring Dolby Atmos in Apple Music, movies, and tv shows, along with dynamic head tracking, across Apple devices. The new AirPods are resistant to sweat and water, and feature a force sensor for easy and intuitive control of music and phone calls. The extended battery life enables up to six hours of listening time1 and up to 30 hours of total listening time with the convenient charging case. AirPods (3rd generation) join the world’s most popular family of headphones and are available to order starting today, and in stores beginning Tuesday, October 26.

    “AirPods forever changed wireless headphones with their groundbreaking design, incredible sound, and magical experience,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We are excited to introduce the next generation of AirPods, featuring unrivaled sound through Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, along with seamless interaction between Apple devices — making the world’s best-selling headphones even better.”

    All-New Design

    The new design of AirPods is lightweight and contoured, sitting at just the right angle for comfort and to direct audio into the ear. For a more subtle appearance, the stem is shorter than the previous generation and features the same intuitive force sensor as AirPods Pro for media control. The new AirPods are resistant to both sweat and water, with an IPX4 rating for both the earbuds and the charging case.2

    Breakthrough Audio Features

    AirPods (3rd generation) build on the great sound quality that AirPods are known for, starting with a custom driver and a high dynamic range amplifier that together produce powerful bass with crisp, clean high frequencies. The microphone is covered by an acoustic mesh to help reduce the sound of wind, so the speaker’s voice comes across distinctly on calls. AirPods also feature AAC-ELD, a superior speech codec that offers full HD voice quality, providing clear, natural communication for FaceTime calls.

    The new AirPods use computational audio to bring the breakthrough experiences that customers love on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max— like Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking — to even more people.

    For an optimal listening experience with rich detail, the new AirPods feature Adaptive EQ that tunes sound in real time based on how AirPods fit in the user’s ear. An inward-facing microphone monitors for sound, and then Adaptive EQ, powered by computational audio, tunes the low and mid frequencies to account for what may be lost due to variances in fit.

    Spatial audio creates a three-dimensional theater-like experience, placing sound virtually anywhere in space, and with Dolby Atmos, AirPods have never sounded better. Users can also enjoy this multi-level experience with dynamic head tracking, so music, video, and even Group FaceTime calls feel more immersive than ever before. Using advanced spatial audio algorithms, and by applying directional audio filters to subtly adjust the frequencies that each ear receives, the new AirPods can place sound all around the user.

    Magical Experience

    With one-touch setup that automatically pairs AirPods with other Apple devices, users can effortlessly enjoy music throughout the day. Audio Sharing allows listeners to share the audio stream between two sets of AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, while using iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV.

    A new skin-detect sensor accurately discerns if AirPods are in the ear — versus in a pocket or on a table — and pauses playback when removed. To help with sound clarity, beamforming microphones block out ambient noise and focus on the user’s voice, while users can also enjoy a hands-free experience by simply saying “Hey Siri” for requests.

    Longer Battery Life

    AirPods (3rd generation) offer an extra hour of battery life over the previous generations, with up to six hours of listening time and up to four hours of talk time. Just five minutes of charging provides about an hour of battery life, and with four additional charges in the case, users can get up to 30 hours of total listening time.3 AirPods are now also part of the MagSafe ecosystem for convenient wireless charging.

    AirPods with iOS and iPadOS

    AirPods offer exceptional convenience and sound quality, and with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, users can enjoy the following features:

    • With spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, voices in a Group FaceTime call sound like they’re coming from the direction in which the person is positioned on the screen, making it seem as if everyone is in the same room.4
    • Announce Notifications allows Siri to read important time-sensitive notifications, including alerts from Messages, Reminders, Calendar, and calls, as well as any third-party apps that adopt the API.
    • AirPods are now part of the Find My network of hundreds of millions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers around the world, offering proximity view in the Find My app and Lost Mode, as well as separation alerts and sounds.

    Apple and the Environment

    AirPods are designed with numerous materials and features to reduce their environmental impact, including the 100 percent recycled rare earth elements used in all magnets. The case also uses 100 percent recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board, and 100 percent recycled aluminum in the hinge. AirPods are also free of potentially harmful substances such as mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium. For energy efficiency, AirPods meet US Department of Energy requirements for battery charger systems. Apple’s Zero Waste program helps suppliers eliminate waste sent to landfills, and all final assembly supplier sites are transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy for Apple production. In the packaging, 100 percent of the virgin wood fiber comes from responsibly managed forests.

    Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations, and by 2030, plans to have net-zero climate impact across the entire business, which includes manufacturing supply chains and all product life cycles. This means that every Apple device sold, from component manufacturing, assembly, transport, customer use, charging, all the way through recycling and material recovery, will be 100 percent carbon neutral.

    Pricing and Availability

    • AirPods (3rd generation) will be available for $179 (US) and are available to order from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in the US and more than 26 other countries and regions starting today, with availability in stores beginning Tuesday, October 26.
    • AirPods (2nd generation) will be available at the new price of $129 (US).
    • AirPods Pro now come with MagSafe Charging Case for the same price of $249 (US).
    • With the Apple Music Voice Plan, users can enjoy millions of songs, playlists, and stations in the Apple Music catalog through Siri. The Apple Music Voice Plan will be available later this fall in select countries and regions for $4.99 (US) per month.
    • New subscribers can get Apple Music free for six months with the purchase of any AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max.5
    • AirPods require Apple devices running iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1, tvOS 15.1, or macOS Monterey, all available as free software updates next week.
    • Customers can add personal engraving with emoji, text, and numbers to cases for AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd generation), and AirPods (2nd generation) for free onapple.com/storeand in the Apple Store app.

    About Apple

    Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple’s five software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Five hours of listening time with spatial audio enabled.
    2. The third-generation AirPods were tested under controlled laboratory conditions and have a rating of IPX4.
    3. Battery life varies by use. See apple.com/batteries for details.
    4. Available on iPhone and iPad with A12 Bionic and later, and Mac models (2018 or later).
    5. New subscribers only. $9.99 per month after trial. Plan automatically renews until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply. For more details, visit apple.com/promo.

    Press Contacts

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

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  1. Five hours of listening time with spatial audio enabled.
  2. The third-generation AirPods were tested under controlled laboratory conditions and have a rating of IPX4.
  3. Battery life varies by use. See apple.com/batteries for details.
  4. Available on iPhone and iPad with A12 Bionic and later, and Mac models (2018 or later).
  5. New subscribers only. $9.99 per month after trial. Plan automatically renews until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply. For more details, visit apple.com/promo.

Press Contacts

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com

Introducing the next generation of AirPods (2024)

FAQs

Introducing the next generation of AirPods? ›

All-New Design

Are new AirPods coming out 2024? ›

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has extensively reported on Apple's plans to release AirPods (4th generation) in 2024. According to Gurman, Apple will discontinue AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 this year, and replace them with two different AirPods 4 variants.

Is there a new generation of AirPods coming out? ›

Apple is planning a significant refresh of its AirPods and AirPods Max lineup by the end of 2024. The new AirPods will have a new design, USB-C charging, active noise cancellation, and silicone tips. The AirPods Pro update is expected in 2025.

What is the difference between AirPods Gen 2 and 3? ›

Apple AirPods 3

Aside from the design change, which should fit most ears better than the AirPods 2nd Generation (though not very small ears), the biggest change is to the sound quality: It's much improved. Also, battery life is better, and the AirPods 3 are officially water-resistant. Read our Apple AirPods 3 review.

When did AirPods Gen 4 come out? ›

AirPods 4 release date expectations
DeviceRelease date
AirPods (4th generation)2024 (rumored)
AirPods (3rd generation)October 26, 2021
AirPods (2nd generation)March 20, 2019
AirPods (1st generation)December 13, 2016
Apr 8, 2024

Is there going to be a 4th generation AirPods? ›

There will be two versions of AirPods 4, it's claimed, and the current second- and third-generation earbuds will be retired when they arrive. Right now, you can buy the third-gen models for $129, and the older ones for $169, or $179 with a MagSafe Charging case.

Will there be AirPods Pro in 2024? ›

Especially considering that last year at its Wonderlust event, Apple introduced an updated AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C instead of the lighting port. Apple's 3rd generation AirPods Pro are anticipated to launch between September and October 2024. Although, a report by Mark Gurman suggests a possible release in 2025.

Are AirPods Pro 3 coming out? ›

AirPods Pro 3: release date speculation

The Bloomberg report said that Apple will launch two new models of AirPods in late 2024, but they will be the AirPods 4 and AirPods Lite. It won't announce the AirPods Pro 3 until 2025, says Mark Gurman, a noted Apple analyst and the report's author.

Are Apple AirPods being discontinued? ›

Apple AirPods 2nd And 3rd Generation Discontinued

So, when the next models are announced, both the second- and third-generation AirPods are for the chop.

What version of AirPods are A2564? ›

The third generation AirPods were released on October 26, 2021, and are priced at $179. In September 2022, Apple released a $169 variant with a charging case lacking Qi and MagSafe charging compatibility. The model numbers for the third-generation AirPods are A2565 and A2564.

Which is better AirPods 3 or Pro? ›

Perhaps the most critical difference is that AirPods 3 do not have active noise cancellation. This feature is only found on the AirPods Pro, meaning that with just one click, you can shut out outside noise, perfect for when you want to block out the rest of the world and concentrate.

Which is better AirPods Pro 2 or 3? ›

The AirPods 3 are a little less appealing. They lack noise cancellation, but do support Spatial Audio, which is a real plus. And they match the Pro 2 for battery life. But they don't sound anywhere near as good, and don't have ear tips to help with fit, so won't be for everyone.

Are AirPods 3rd gen better than pros? ›

The Pro have a much more neutral sound profile and a great ANC feature. They come with differently-sized ear tips and are much more comfortable and stable once you find a good fit. On the other hand, the 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life, and their mic has a better recording quality.

How many generations do AirPods have? ›

AirPods: How Many Generations Are There & What's The Difference? Apple has released six different generations of AirPods across three distinct lineups, making it clear that the company is serious about its presence in the consumer audio space.

How long do AirPods last? ›

How long do AirPods last: at a glance. With typical usage, your AirPods will last for around two or three years, and the cause of most failures is the lithium-ion battery. This length of time coincides nicely, for Apple, with their general two and a-half year product cycles.

Does Airpod Gen 3 have noise cancellation? ›

A key reason for this is the AirPods 3's lack of active noise cancellation (ANC). Without the noise-canceling feature, the non-Pro AirPods are able to retain power more efficiently. Turning off Spatial Audio, which only works with select Apple Music media files, helps just as much.

How long will AirPods last years? ›

With typical usage, your AirPods will last for around two or three years, and the cause of most failures is the lithium-ion battery. This length of time coincides nicely, for Apple, with their general two and a-half year product cycles.

How long are AirPods expected to last? ›

While the lifespan of AirPods can vary depending on usage patterns and environmental factors, it is generally recommended to consider replacing them after approximately two to three years of regular use.

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