Apple’s AirPods changed the headphone world. Sure, there were definitely true wireless headphones before the AirPods, but AirPods made them popular. AirPods 2 improved on the originals with better sound quality and wireless charging.

Airpod 3 is going to be the next major release. Following the surprise reveal of the Beats Studio Buds, Apple can now switch focus to its own brand: one that, with the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, can claim to include some of the best wireless headphones around.

AirPods 3 specs and features

AirPods 3 will likely offer new internal hardware. Apple is also working on new chip for the AirPods 3 that will help improve the battery life of the headphones. This is the same chip that will ultimately power the second-generation AirPods Pro earbuds. The ear phones support things like Automatic Switching and pairing with all your devices, but probably won’t support premium features like noise cancelation. The head phones may also support Spatial Audio, which would be great for those that want to take advantage of Apple’s 3D audio tech.

AirPods 3 design

AirPods 3 will likely have a design closer to that of AirPods Pro, with a shorter stem and a larger body. It seems that the new headphones won’t have replaceable ear tips, instead offering a plastic body that’s designed to slot into the ear, like the current-generation AirPods. The charging case may also differ too. The case looks similar to the AirPods Pro’s charging case, with a wider body.

AirPods 3 price and release date

AirPods 3 are likely to come at a similar price as the current-generation AirPods. Current-generation AirPods come at $159 for the standard model and $199 for the AirPods with Wireless Charging. It’s possible that Apple could continue to sell current-generation AirPods at a lower price, and the new headphones at the $199 price point.

These are rumoured to be announced at Apple’s planned California Streaming September 14 event. They’ll be announced alongside the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7. They may not be released on that day, but they likely will be within a few days of the event.