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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) · Apple Newsroom — 111863_airpods-3rdgen-2.png

Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
Photo 1 of 6

Apple AirPods (3rd generation) · Apple Newsroom — 111863_airpods-3rdgen-2.png

Apple · AirPods

AirPods (3rd generation)

Released October 2021

Apple's 2021 open-ear AirPods add shorter stems, Spatial Audio with head tracking and a choice of Lightning or MagSafe charging cases for people who prefer earbuds without silicone tips.

Model history · 3 models, 2016–2021
  1. 2016AirPods (1st generation)Compare
  2. 2019AirPods (2nd generation)Compare
  3. 2021AirPods (3rd generation)
Type
Open-ear
Noise cancelling
No
Battery
6 h
With case
30 h
Best codec
AAC
Weight
4.28 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the sound improves on earlier AirPods and Apple device integration is convenient, but the open fit offers little isolation and will not suit every ear. What Hi-Fi? praises Spatial Audio and battery life; SoundGuys finds the lack of a seal compromises bass and makes cheaper sealed alternatives better value.

From whathifi.com and soundguys.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type
Open-ear
Noise cancelling
No
Transparency mode
No
Spatial audio with head tracking
Yes
Bluetooth codecs
SBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-C
No
Chip
H1
Drivers
Custom high-excursion Apple driver and high dynamic range amplifier
Audio features
Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Audio Sharing; AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys)

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim)
Up to 6 hours
With the case
Up to 30 hours
Wireless charging
Yes
Battery life detail
Up to 5 hours with Personalised Spatial Audio enabled
Charging case
MagSafe case supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging or Lightning; Lightning-only case introduced in 2022 has no wireless charging
Fast charging
Around 1 hour of listening after 5 minutes in the case

Design

Weight (each earbud)
4.28 g
Water and sweat resistance
IPX4
Bluetooth
5.0
Controls
Force sensor for playback, calls and Siri; “Hey Siri”; no stem volume control
Microphones
Dual beamforming and inward-facing microphones; skin-detecting sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers
Fit and ear tips
Open-ear design without silicone tips
Case weight
37.91 g
Dimensions
Each earbud 30.79 × 18.26 × 19.21 mm; case 46.40 × 54.40 × 21.38 mm (height × width × depth)
Water resistance detail
IPX4 for earbuds and case; resistance can diminish over time
Works with
Apple devices with current iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS or tvOS; Bluetooth audio with older Apple software and non-Apple devices, with limited features
Colours
White
In the box
AirPods, Lightning or MagSafe charging case, Lightning to USB-C cable, documentation

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Up to 6 hours of listening, or 30 hours with the case
  • Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ
  • IPX4 sweat and water resistance for the earbuds and charging case

Cons

  • No active noise cancellation or Transparency mode
  • No interchangeable ear tips or volume adjustment on the stems
  • Lightning charging connector rather than USB-C

Closest rivals

Model
TypeNoise cancellingBatteryWith caseBest codecWeightReleased
BoseUltra Open Earbuds
Open-earNo7 h26.5 haptX Adaptive6.4 gFeb 2024
AppleAirPods (2nd generation)
Open-earNo5 h–AAC4 gMar 2019
SonyLinkBuds Open
Open-earNo8 h22 hLC35.1 gOct 2024

Previous model: AirPods (2nd generation). Newer model: AirPods 4.

Sources

  1. support.apple.com/en-gb/111863
  2. apple.com/uk/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpods
  3. support.apple.com/en-gb/docs/airpods/300896
  4. soundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295

Photo: Apple Newsroom — 111863_airpods-3rdgen-2.png

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