×

Apple’s AirPods 3 are now in production, rumors say

67% reliable
4 mins
16.35K views
AirPods
  • Taiwanese supplier ASE Technology has started production of optical sensors that will be embedded in the next generation Apple AirPods, according to DigiTimes.
  • Ming-Chi Kuo has previously hinted that we may see them in the third quarter of 2021.
  • AirPods 3 are expected to launch at $199, according to a report from The Elec.

According to new reports from DigiTimes, Apple has already started production of their upcoming AirPods 3 wireless earbuds in partnership with a Taiwanese manufacturer called ASE Technology. Rumors say the company has already started making optical sensors for the next-generation of earbuds. Allegedly, these new AirPods may feature a shorter stem, no replaceable ear-tips, and a smaller charging case — a design which is said to be inspired by the current AirPods Pro. There have been plenty of rumors of exactly when we can expect to see the new AirPods, with recent suggestions from the analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (reliability: 80.95%) hinting that we may see them in the third quarter of 2021. More specifically, that would be from July 1 to September 30. The new report from DigiTimes lines up with these earlier reports from Kuo, giving the reports more weight.

From Tom's Guide:

The DigiTimes report, spotted by MacRumors doesn't provide a specific launch date. But there is a launch window, according to sources cited in the report, that places the AirPods 3 launch sometime in the third quarter of 2021, which would square with a September launch event for the iPhone 13.

As for pricing, Korean publication The Elec has recently stated that fans may have to pay a premium for the upgrade. Apple’s new AirPods 3 are expected to launch at $199, a noticeable increase from the previous price of $159 for AirPods 2. The first generation of AirPods launched back in 2016 — with a second generation released in March of 2019. Since then, AirPods have become one of the most popular products for the company — with the second generation featuring an H1 chip, longer talk time, ‘Hey Siri’ integration and more.

Recommended by the editors:

Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.

Published to Apple Scoop on 25th March, 2021.
Flynn Lo Faro

Flynn Lo Faro

Team Leader / Editor-in-Chief

Flynn has been covering technology for over a decade, with a deep focus on all things Apple. As the Editor-in-Chief of Apple Scoop, Flynn ensures the team delivers the most accurate and up-to-date information on Apple news, rumors, and product releases. His passion for tech journalism and editorial expertise guide the site’s vision and maintain its high standards.

Flynn's journalism More about AirPods
Stories related to AirPods
Recommended
Apple

Apple

Microsoft

Microsoft

Google

Google

Samsung

Samsung

Meta

Meta

Wallpaper categories


iOS 18

iPhone 15 Pro

MacBook Pro

Anime

Black

Dark

Gradient

Car

Pink

Blue

Christmas

Apple

Dynamic Island

BMW

iPhone

4K

Abstract

iPhone 16

Red

iPhone 15

Purple

Nature

Orange

Apple Logo

Cars

Green

Art

iPhone 16 Pro

Space

iOS