It's been almost two years since the release of Apple's second-generation true wireless earbuds, the AirPods (2019), but we've just spotted the biggest clue yet to suggest that its next iteration, the AirPods 3, will arrive in 2021. According to various reports, several Apple suppliers have begun shipping substrate components (also known as circuit boards) for several upcoming Apple products, including the AirPods 3. We previously reported rumors that next-generation headphones are already available. in development, but it's the most promising sign yet to signal its imminent arrival. As for what the AirPods 3 will bring, reports have indicated a design overhaul that could see Apple's entry-level wireless headphones mimic the look of its noise-canceling offering, the AirPods. Pro. Essentially, this means we expect to see shorter stems on the bottom of the AirPods, though perhaps not as short as those on the recently announced Beats Studio Buds. Check out the tweet below to see what this alleged hotfix would look like. That's not to say that Apple's cheapest heads will come with a noise-canceling feature, as the company is expected to continue to omit this feature in an effort to keep its price low and battery life high. However, we expect the third-generation headphones to offer some degree of improved noise reduction, as well as better endurance. Tipsters have also hinted at motion sensors for fitness tracking and integration with Apple Fitness Plus, which could see the addition of ambient light sensors. Rumors that shipments of AirPod-related circuit boards have begun line up with previous reports we've seen suggesting the new models will arrive in "calendar Q2021 3." That's according to an investor report uncovered by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, so there's certainly reason to believe that the AirPods XNUMX could arrive between August and October of this year.
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However, there is no sign of any new AirPods Pro components in these shipments. The same report suggests, however, that an updated pair of more expensive Apple wireless headphones will arrive in 2022, along with updated motion trackers and a focus on fitness, similar to the AirPods 3, so if the rumors are to be believed. And what about the price of the new AirPods? With Apple's Earbuds Pro being priced at $249 / £249 / AU$399, we expect the AirPods 3 to arrive at a similar price to their current-gen counterpart, the AirPods. (2019), which cost $159 / £159. / AU$249 at launch. However, there is a chance that this figure could rise, especially if Apple decides to add the new features we've mentioned above. Either way, stay tuned to TechRadar for the latest AirPods 3 news. Today's best Apple Airpods (2019) deals
