Apple is ready to revolutionize the AirPods 3: more compact design like the Pro and a new chip, but we’ll have to wait until 2021
The wireless headphones from Apple are preparing for a change: the AirPods 3 even in the basic model will adopt the design seen on the version Pro. According to the first rumors, the dimensions will be decidedly compact: the bar for touch controls will be less pronounced, perhaps even with an in-ear design.
The rumors about Apple’s wireless headphones come from the well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, always prepared on the subject of iPhone and accessories. In his latest report, Kuo emphasizes the revolution coming to AirPods 3, which in addition to the size will also concern the interior. The new headphones could be equipped with a chip SiP, ie system-in-package, as already experienced in the version of the AirPods Pro. A technology that allows you to optimize space, integrating more components in a smaller size.
AirPods 3, smaller size and better performance
From the inside to the outside, the AirPods 3 wireless headphones will change completely. Like the more expensive AirPods Pro, they will be equipped with an internal SiP chip, as opposed to the current SMT, or surface mount technology. The SiP technology allows Apple to optimize space, adding more components in a much smaller size.
In addition, the chip among its functions manages audio, interactions with Siri and is also optimized for active noise cancellation and its transparency mode. At this point, we are left to wonder, given the similarities with the Pro, if the higher-performance features will remain exclusive to the Pro model, or if by raising the bar for the AirPods 3, Apple aims to surprise us by raising the bar for the Pro as well.
AirPods 3 coming in 2021
To see and be able to use the new AirPods 3 we will have to wait until the first half of 2021. According to Kuo’s report, Apple expects a slowdown in shipments of the wireless headphones, which have had a year-over-year growth of 28% so far. On the other hand, AirPods sales are expected to skyrocket by 2020, even under the boost of the EarPods being removed from the packaging of the new iPhone 12.