AirPods 3

AirPods 3 are an evolution from the original AirPods and AirPods 2. The third-generation version features a similar design to the AirPods Pro but lacking some of the Pro’s advanced features like active noise cancellation.

That said, they do offer improved sound quality and a new design with shorter stems compared to their predecessors. They also feature spatial audio, which provides a more immersive listening experience by simulating surround sound.

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on AirPods 3:

Totallee’s new cases add premium feel to your AirPods

By

They give your AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3 cases a new look and more protection.
They give your AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3 cases a new look and more protection.
Photo: Totallee

Totallee, known for its minimalistic iPhone cases, rolled out new cases Tuesday for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods 3.

They’re “on brand” for Totallee in that they’re lightweight, protective and branding-free. And they’re also made of 100% recycled plastic, the company said.

Make AirPods sound like new with Belkin cleaning kit

By

Make AirPods sound like new with Belkin cleaning kit
Get that yucky earwax out of your AirPods with this cleaning kit.
Photo: Belkin

Your old AirPods aren’t what they used to be. The speakers can get gummed up, degrading the audio performance. But the Belkin Cleaning Kit for AirPods can take care of the problem.

This might save you the cost of buying a new pair of Apple earbuds.

Ugreen 3-in-1 MagSafe charger is perfect for the nightstand [Review] ★★★★☆

By

Charge three devices at once.★★★★☆
Ugreen's MFi-certified charger tops off three devices at once.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

There’s something especially convenient about having a multi-device charging station on your nightstand. Or you could place at the edge of your desk or on a table by the front door. It’s a place you can charge your iPhone, AirPods charging case and Apple Watch all at once if need be.

Ugreen sent me its version to test out, the 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Station. It’s a good charger for most people — especially because it’s MFi-certified for MagSafe. That means you get a full 15 watts for MagSafe iPhones and 5W apiece for an AirPods charging case and Apple Watch.

But the device isn’t without minor drawbacks.

AirPods Pro 2 review roundup: Better in almost every way

By

AirPods Pro 2 look pretty much the same as the original, but they're better in nearly every way.
AirPods Pro 2 look pretty much the same as the original, but they're better in nearly every way.
Photo: Apple

Reviews of Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) are rolling in. The overwhelming consensus? The design is only slightly changed from the first-generation buds, but almost everything else is improved, with a few minor caveats.

They’re better than the original where it counts most: Higher sound quality, stronger ANC, more controls, longer battery life and an improved wireless charging case.

In short, given that the wildly popular AirPods Pro launched way back in 2019, it’s time for an upgrade for most people.

AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro: Is it worth upgrading?

By

Apple said AirPods Pro 2 double the noise cancellation, among other enhancements.
Apple said AirPods Pro 2 double the noise cancellation, among other enhancements.
Photo: Apple

Should AirPods Pro owners upgrade to AirPods Pro 2?

The new set boasts a host of upgrades that could easily be worth it for many people — especially because the price hasn’t increased — and may even tempt owners of the relatively new and well-reviewed AirPods (3rd generation).

AirPods 3 are a real steal after a $29 discount

By

AirPods 3
AirPods 3 are brilliant ... and on sale!
Photo: Apple

Apple’s latest AirPods 3 is down to just $149.99 on Amazon — a sweet $29.01 discount from its retail price of $179.

In Cult of Mac‘s AirPods 3 review, we found them to be the best earbuds in Apple’s lineup. And this is the lowest price the earbuds have dropped to in the last month.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

AirPods 3 drop back to their lowest price ever

By

AirPods 3 drop back to their lowest price ever
AirPods 3 are brilliant… and on sale!
Photo: Apple

Amazon has an answer for what to do with that gift card you received over the holidays. The recently released AirPods 3 are once again selling for their lowest price ever: $139.99.

And there are significant deals on AirPods Pro and AirPods 2 as well.

‘Tis the season for massive AirPods deals [Updated]

By

‘Tis the season for massive AirPods savings
There’s never been a better time to buy AirPods.
Photo: Cult of Mac

AirPods make great gifts … especially when they’re nearly half off. You can get AirPods 2 for less than $90. That’s as low as they’ve ever been.

And there are deals on every type of Apple’s signature earbuds with significant savings. Even on the newest model.

Confessions of an AirPods virgin

By

Apple AirPods 3 Review
What is it like to have AirPods 3 be your first Apple wireless headphones?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

What I’m about to write is so shocking you might want to sit down: AirPods 3 are the first Apple wireless headphones I’ve ever owned. I never saw a need to pay the Apple Tax when I had cheap wireless earbuds that were good enough.

But I changed my mind for the newest model. Here are all the reasons I’m happy about the purchase. And the one reason I’m not.

AirPods 3 teardown can’t explain boost in battery life

By

AirPods 3 teardown can’t explain boost in battery life
Each AirPods 3 battery offers less capacity than the ones in AirPods Pro.
Photo: 52audio

Apple’s recently released AirPods 3 have a longer battery life than either AirPods 2 or AirPods Pro. But a teardown of the new truly wireless headphones finds batteries that can’t fully explain the extra time between charges.

Watch a video of the teardown showing why along with some other internal details of AirPods 3.

AirPods 3 review roundup: Sounds great!

By

AirPods 3
The new AirPods are resistant to both sweat and water, with an IPX4 rating for both the earbuds and the case.
Photo: Apple

The first wave of AirPods 3 reviews just came out, and they’re full of good news for those considering Apple’s latest truly wireless earbuds. Sound quality draws praise, as does battery life. But reviewers don’t seem as happy about the lack of active noise cancellation. And some would have preferred silicone ear tips.

Read on for reviewers’ specific comments about AirPods 3.

Upgraded AirPods gain spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and more

By

The new AirPods 3 are $179.
The new AirPods 3 are $179.
Photo: Apple

Apple Unleashed event bug Apple used part of its “Unleashed” event on Monday to announce a major refresh of it signature earbuds. The new AirPods 3 feature spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and dynamic head tracking and come with a redesign that makes them look more like AirPods Pro (although without the silicone ear tips).

They won’t be Cupertino’s entry-level earbuds, though, as the company said AirPods 2 will remain in the lineup.

AirPods could soon drop in price

By

In the future, your AirPods might take your temperature, check your posture and help with hearing.
Apple might be about to make AirPods more affordable.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel

Apple is expected to introduce the third-generation of AirPods this week. But the current version of these truly wireless headphones reportedly won’t be discontinued. This might result in AirPods 2 dropping in price.

It would be quite a change, as Apple’s earbuds are some of the most expensive on the market.

Apple could host multiple events in September for a bunch of new products

By

There are lots of things that make Apple so great, Cook says.
But don't get your hopes up.
Photo: Apple

 

 

Cupertino has previously staggered its fall events over September, October and November. But according to some sources, it will unleash a barrage of hardware within just a few weeks this time around.

We’re expecting big refreshes for iPhone and Apple Watch, as well as a new iPad and iPad mini, third-generation AirPods, and more.

Listen up! AirPods 3 could enter mass-production next month

By

AirPods 3 might borrow some features of AirPods Pro.
Coming soon to a pair of ears near you.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Apple’s next-gen AirPods, the third iteration of the company’s regular AirPods, will go into production next month, Nikkei Asia reported Wednesday.

This would be the first upgrade for Apple’s standard issue AirPods since the second-gen version debuted March 2019. The original AirPods made their debut in December 2016.

Days of explosive growth for AirPods may already be over

By

AirPods Pro with black background discounts
AirPods have been a massive winner for Apple since 2016.
Photo: Apple

The massive growth days of the AirPods may already be over, according to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a new note to clients seen by Cult of Mac, Kuo said he anticipates a year-over-year decline in AirPods shipments in 2021. If true, this would be the first year in AirPods history that sales didn’t experience explosive growth.

New image might show redesigned AirPods 3

By

AirPods 3 might borrow some features of AirPods Pro.
New AirPods could replace 2019’s AirPods 2 in Apple’s lineup.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Real-world images of the third-generation AirPods allegedly leaked out Wednesday. These could give an early look at the in-ear headphones that might launch before the end of March.

The pics supposedly show that AirPods 3 won’t borrow a major feature of AirPods Pro.

AirPods 3 concept video imagines innovative changes

By

An AirPods 3 concept video shows what Apple’s 2021 earbuds might look like.
This might be a foretaste of the 2021 AirPods 3.
Photo: the Hacker 34

An AirPods 3 concept video brings together rumors and hopes for redesigned Apple in-ear headphones that are anticipated for later in 2021. The result is a video showing earbuds that merge aspects of AirPods Pro with the more basic version, and mix in some new features as well.

Watch the video now:

AirPods 3 upgrade with AirPods Pro design expected in early 2021

By

AirPods Pro settings
Could AirPods 3 look just like AirPods Pro?
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Apple will introduce its third-generation AirPods buds featuring the same design as AirPods Pro during the first half of 2021, according to one reliable analyst.

The new wireless headphones could help drive a 28% increase in AirPods shipments next year. Apple’s rumored decision not to include free EarPods with iPhone 12 this fall could also contribute to the boost.

AirPods Pro might offer all the new features we’re asking for

By

ESR AirPods Pro case
This ESR case is designed to protect the redesigned case for AirPods Pro.
Photo: ESR

UPDATE: The wait wasn’t long: Apple’s new AirPods Pro with noise cancellation are already here.

 

Apple is reportedly about to take its wireless earbuds professional. Get ready for AirPods Pro with noise cancellation and a range of color options.

But they’ll also supposedly cost dramatically more than Apple’s current in-ear headphones.