AirPods 3 gain spatial audio, battery life and design tweaks

Apple’s third-generation AirPods arrived on October 18, 2021

As anticipated, Apple has introduced the much-anticipated third generation AirPods which benefit from spatial audio, better battery life and a new contoured design. The existing AirPods 2 remain available at $129.

What’s new in AirPods 3?

The main benefits are in sound reproduction. The new models use computational audio to to create better sound with Adaptive EQ. Users can enjoy spatial audio featuring Dolby Atmos in Apple Music, movies, and tv shows, along with dynamic head tracking, across Apple devices.

They are resistant to sweat and water and feature a force sensor to control music and phone calls. The new design of AirPods features a stem that’s shorter than the previous generation and also offers the same intuitive force sensor as AirPods Pro for media control

Battery life is also improved. Expect up to six hours of listening time up to 30 hours of total listening time with the charging case.

What some iPhone users may be concerned about is that the new AirPods do not support the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3 or sixth-generation iPod touch. Other models do support those devices.

What Apple said

“AirPods forever changed wireless headphones with their groundbreaking design, incredible sound, and magical experience,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We are excited to introduce the next generation of AirPods, featuring unrivalled sound through Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, along with seamless interaction between Apple devices — making the world’s best-selling headphones even better.”

They are available to order starting today, and in stores beginning Tuesday, October 26.

What about the audio?

Apple took time to explain that the new models provide a custom driver and a high dynamic range amplifier that together produce powerful bass with crisp, clean high frequencies. The microphone is covered by an acoustic mesh to help reduce the sound of wind, so the speaker’s voice comes across distinctly on calls.

AirPods also feature AAC-ELD, a speech codec the company says delivers full HD voice quality for a better experience in FaceTime calls.
They feature Adaptive EQ that tunes sound in real time based on how AirPods fit in the user’s ear. An inward-facing microphone monitors for sound, and then Adaptive EQ, powered by computational audio, tunes the low and mid frequencies to account for what may be lost due to variances in fit. Dynamic head tracking makes music playback more immersive than before.

Also read: What is AirPods Pro Conversation Boost and how does it work?

Audio Sharing allows listeners to share the audio stream between two sets of AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, while using iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV.

A new skin-detect sensor accurately discerns if AirPods are in the ear — versus in a pocket or on a table — and pauses playback when removed. To help with sound clarity, beamforming microphones block out ambient noise and focus on the user’s voice, while users can also enjoy a hands-free experience by simply saying “Hey Siri” for requests.

AirPods are now part of the Find My network and also support MagSafe charging.

What they cost

AirPods (3rd generation) cost $179 and are available to order now and will be in stores from October 26. One more thing: AirPods Pro now come with MagSafe Charging Case for the same price of £239.

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