The first AirPods came on the market in 2016 – and they shone with a simple setup for Apple devices and solid battery life. The headphones are now in their second generation – and are part of a comprehensive portfolio that not only includes the AirPods Pro but also the recently introduced AirPods Max. The Standard and Pro models could be updated next year – a new report from The Elec now gives details about the price and the possible features of the AirPods 3.
AirPods 3 for $ 200?
The Elec expects the new headphones to be released in the first half of 2021 – and calls them the “Lite” version of the AirPods Pro. In fact, the design of the Pro models is to be adopted for the third generation – this would mean the AirPods in-ear headphones with a significantly shorter bridge than before. On the other hand, users will have to forego the convenience features of the AirPods Pro: The standard model is not equipped with active noise suppression and the transparency mode. This is also reflected in the price: The report claims that the AirPods are 20 percent cheaper than the Pro model. For the latter, Apple estimates $ 249 in the US – so the AirPods 3 could cost around $ 200. Apple wanted to release such a lite version shortly after the AirPods Pro was released – but was so surprised by the success of the Pro model that the release was postponed.
AirPods Pro could also have successors
Buyers can currently get the AirPods with an inductive charging case for $ 200: It remains to be seen whether Apple will keep the counterpart with the wired case in its range in the future. If this option is no longer available, entry into the world of AirPods becomes more expensive – users receive an in-ear design. According to Bloomberg, the Pro version could also get an update in 2021: The next generation will probably be accompanied by a modified earpiece that should noticeably increase the sound quality.