Kuo: AirPods 3 to be announced at September event, possibly at a higher price as AirPods 2 will remain in the lineup



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In a report from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today, Apple is reportedly announcing the new generation of AirPods as part of Tuesday’s iPhone 13 event. The new “AirPods 3” will be the new version of Apple’s AirPods headphones, which were last updated in March 2019.

However, Kuo says Apple will continue to sell the second-generation AirPods when the new models ship. He says this suggests the AirPods 3 will be priced higher – current models start at $ 159 – or that the AirPods 2 will see a price drop alongside the AirPods 3 version, which would adopt the current price of the AirPods 2. .

Kuo doesn’t seem to know which scenario is more likely. Instead, it just states that AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 will be sold simultaneously as AirPods 2 production continues.

Based on previous rumors, the new AirPods models are expected to feature a new design that resembles the shape of the current generation AirPods Pro, including shorter stems on the earbuds themselves.

However, the AirPods 3 should not come with active noise cancellation features, which will remain exclusive to the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. The AirPods 3 are expected to support Spatial Audio head tracking, however, which is a perfect match for the release of iOS 15 which enhances Dolby Atmos music with the head tracking effect in addition to video content.

Right now, the second generation AirPods are sold in two models: with and without Qi wireless charging box. AirPods with standard wired case retail for $ 159, SKU with included wireless case costs $ 199.

Overall, Kuo expects the launch of the next generation AirPods 3 to have a positive impact on sales of Apple’s true wireless headphones, with the analyst predicting shipments to increase from 10 to 15% year-on-year for the first quarter of 2022.

AirPods Pro updates are not expected until next year. Bloomberg previously said the AirPods Pro will be redesigned to be more compact, as Apple intends to eliminate the rod altogether. They may also have built-in sensors for fitness tracking.

Stay tuned to 9to5Mac for full coverage of all announcements during Apple’s first fall media event, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. PT on Tuesday, September 14. Alongside the new AirPods, we expect to see Apple unveil the iPhone 13 lineup and the new Apple Watch Series 7.

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