Key Takeaways
- third gen AirPods are a stable improve that options the AirPods Professional’s design, water resistance, and Spatial Audio at a lower cost level.
- Adjustments to the 4th gen AirPods may embody: upgraded chip, improved battery life, potential contact display screen on charging case, and USB-C charging.
- It is best to attend for the 4th gen AirPods launch to both get the most recent options or save by getting the third gen at a lower cost.
The 3rd generation AirPods look extra like AirPods Pro than their first and second-gen predecessors. The change to a smaller, extra compact kind issue was welcomed by most, however a tad disliked by others. Nonetheless, essentially the most essential distinction — the dearth of silicone ear suggestions — remained an AirPods Professional unique. Not like the introduction of the 2nd technology AirPods Professional with XS ear tips, I used to be an AirPods consumer completely. I discovered the silicone ear recommendations on AirPods Professional to be suffocating for my ears, making for an uncomfortable expertise, resulting in changing into the proprietor of all three iterations of AirPods.
AirPods are simply one among Apple’s best-selling product traces, making them a Fortune 500 in their very own proper. Regardless of their success, are the third-generation AirPods nonetheless a superb purchase in 2024, or must you wait till the 4th technology refresh?
Associated
I made my AirPods mic louder by trying these 7 things
In case your voice is just too quiet when utilizing the mic in your AirPods, there are a number of methods you’ll be able to go about fixing them.
AirPods (third technology)
A stable replace
Apple / Pocket-lint
The 3rd generation AirPods are a considerable enchancment from their predecessors. On high of getting the bodily look of AirPods Professional, they launched water-resistance and Spatial Audio at a extra reasonably priced worth. These small buds characteristic contact capacitive stems for playback controls, together with as much as 6 hours of listening time with simply the pods, and as much as 30 with the charging case. Whereas initially launched with solely lighting, third technology AirPods had been later refreshed with a charging case supporting MagSafe — nonetheless, USB-C remains to be missing. AirPods (third technology) retail for $179 with MagSage and $169 with out.

Associated
How to connect your AirPods to a Roku TV
Chances are you’ll be higher off utilizing the Roku cell app than direct pairing.
AirPods (4th technology) rumors
Nothing too revolutionary
The third technology of AirPods was launched in 2021 and is arising on its third birthday in October, so that they’re actually due for an replace. AirPods (4th technology) are anticipated to return out someday this fall, doubtless together with new iPhones, making for an thrilling shopping for season. Curiously, we may even see two new variations of AirPods — a revision to the present third technology and a brand new AirPods SE sort of providing at a lower cost level.
With a bit of luck, AirPods will combine extra options much like AirPods Professional however at a extra reasonably priced worth.
New AirPods will doubtless embody an upgraded processor, graduating from the H1 to the H2 chip discovered within the AirPods Professional (2nd technology). An upgraded chip would permit for higher battery life, improved audio high quality, and probably new options. With a bit of luck, AirPods will combine extra options much like AirPods Professional however at a extra reasonably priced worth, like 5.3 Bluetooth connectivity, Discover My enhancements with an built-in U1 or U2 chip, and touch-control quantity controls.
AirPods (4th technology) could obtain minor modifications, together with a shorter stem, which might be an attention-grabbing concept to bodily differentiate AirPods from AirPods Professional. Maybe the only most important change to AirPods may very well be the addition of a touchscreen, which is rumored to doubtlessly be added to the charging case. Whereas the touchscreen is iffy, to say the least, we will absolutely anticipate the charging case to change to USB-C.

Associated
Why Apple adding a touchscreen to AirPods would chase me away
I’ve sufficient screens to work together with. I simply need AirPods to concentrate on the sound.
Purchase now, or wait?
Ideally, wait — for those who can
When you want a direct alternative pair of earbuds, the third technology AirPods are a unbelievable possibility, and also you positively will not remorse shopping for them. Nonetheless, for those who can wait, we’re hopefully just a few months from a possible refresh — however how substantial this refresh shall be remains to be up within the air.
Regardless, ready for a refresh both enables you to purchase the most recent and best or save just a little by choosing up a pair of third technology AirPods at a greater worth. I do suggest ready — till the autumn, for those who can — but when nothing comes by, then chances are you’ll need to purchase a third technology or proceed ready for the ever-pending refresh.
Trending Merchandise

Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L Micro-ATX Tower with Magnetic Design Dust Filter, Transparent Acrylic Side Panel, Adjustable I/O & Fully Ventilated Airflow, Black (MCB-Q300L-KANN-S00)

ASUS TUF Gaming GT301 ZAKU II Edition ATX mid-Tower Compact case with Tempered Glass Side Panel, Honeycomb Front Panel, 120mm Aura Addressable RGB Fan, Headphone Hanger,360mm Radiator, Gundam Edition

ASUS TUF Gaming GT501 Mid-Tower Computer Case for up to EATX Motherboards with USB 3.0 Front Panel Cases GT501/GRY/WITH Handle

be quiet! Pure Base 500DX ATX Mid Tower PC case | ARGB | 3 Pre-Installed Pure Wings 2 Fans | Tempered Glass Window | Black | BGW37

ASUS ROG Strix Helios GX601 White Edition RGB Mid-Tower Computer Case for ATX/EATX Motherboards with tempered glass, aluminum frame, GPU braces, 420mm radiator support and Aura Sync

CORSAIR 7000D AIRFLOW Full-Tower ATX PC Case – High-Airflow Front Panel – Spacious Interior – Easy Cable Management – 3x 140mm AirGuide Fans with PWM Repeater Included – Black
