AirPods (3e generatie) (2024)

FAQs

What year is generation 3 AirPods? ›

Preorders of the third generation AirPods began on October 18, 2021. The third generation AirPods were released on October 26, 2021, and are priced at $179. In September 2022, Apple released a $169 variant with a charging case lacking Qi and MagSafe charging compatibility.

A key reason for this is the AirPods 3's lack of active noise cancellation (ANC). Without the noise-canceling feature, the non-Pro AirPods are able to retain power more efficiently. Turning off Spatial Audio, which only works with select Apple Music media files, helps just as much.

Released in October 2021, the third-generation AirPods have been in Apple's product lineup for over two years, and there is an update coming in 2024. Prior updates have happened in December 2016, March 2019, and October 2021, which means we get a new version approximately every two and a half years.

3rd gen AirPods are great, but fit poorly for some

LOVE the sound. LOVE the technology that makes these so very much better than previous AirPods. The head tracking, the battery life, the design of the part that goes into the ear, and so much more.

Apple AirPods 3

Aside from the design change, which should fit most ears better than the AirPods 2nd Generation (though not very small ears), the biggest change is to the sound quality: It's much improved. Also, battery life is better, and the AirPods 3 are officially water-resistant.

Perhaps the most critical difference is that AirPods 3 do not have active noise cancellation. This feature is only found on the AirPods Pro, meaning that with just one click, you can shut out outside noise, perfect for when you want to block out the rest of the world and concentrate.

The AirPods 3 borrow some of the Pros' key features — including their sleek looks and immersive Spatial Audio — but pack them into a simpler and more affordable design that sacrifices things like ANC and a secure silicon fit.

If your AirPods volume is too low only when you use them with your iPhone, go into the Settings app, then Sound & Haptics > Headphone Safety. Make sure the 'Reduce Loud Sounds' toggle switch is set to 'off. You should also check Accessibility settings, as these can sometimes make your AirPods too quiet.

Your AirPods have a separate serial number printed on their underside. The font is extremely tiny, which makes the text very easy to miss, but it's a reliable way of telling if your AirPods are fake. Make sure to check 1) if there's a serial number printed on both your buds and 2) if it's the same number on both buds.

Where are AirPods 3rd gen made? ›

I was eagerly waiting for Airpods 3 launch and ordered them via Apple Store online when released which are made in china.

Apple Producing AirPods 3 in China Instead of Vietnam Due to Pandemic Disruption. Apple has been seeking to add geographic diversity to its supply chain for some time, with a shift of some production of the AirPods lineup to Vietnam being one significant step for the company.

We don't recommend that you purchase the second-generation AirPods—they're inferior to the new, third-gen AirPods, which offer better sound, an improved fit, MagSafe charging, and Spatial Audio. The newer AirPods cost $50 more but are worth the extra cost.

Your AirPods should last you for about two to three years. Like in all true wireless earbuds, the lithium-ion battery tends to be the first thing that goes bad.

Your AirPods (3rd generation) can get up to 6 hours of listening time (up to 5 hours with Spatial Audio enabled)⁹ or up to 4 hours of talk time on a single charge. If you charge your AirPods (3rd generation) for 5 minutes in their case, you get around 1 hour of listening time¹¹ or around 1 hour of talk time.

Apple's 3rd generation AirPods Pro are anticipated to launch between September and October 2024. Although, a report by Mark Gurman suggests a possible release in 2025.

Your AirPods (3rd generation) can get up to 6 hours of listening time (up to 5 hours with Spatial Audio enabled)⁹ or up to 4 hours of talk time on a single charge. If you charge your AirPods (3rd generation) for 5 minutes in their case, you get around 1 hour of listening time¹¹ or around 1 hour of talk time.

While the first-generation AirPods have a more elongated design, the third-generation AirPods are more compact. The latter is similar to the AirPods Pro, minus the ear tips.