‘AirPods 3’ supposedly still on schedule for release this year

Apple has rolled out new firmware (version 6A321) for the third-generation AirPods.

The third-generation AirPods will still arrive before the end of this year, according to DigiTimes.The Sellers Research Group (that’s me) thinks we’ll see them released in mid- to late-October.

The release will be noted by press release only. The AirPods 3 were expected to be unveiled along with the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7 at the September 14 “California Streaming” event. That didn’t happen.

The “AirPods 3” are expected to look pretty much the same as the current version, but with a shortened stem, adjusted earbud body and an AirPods Pro-style charging case. No word on when an update to the AirPods Pro might arrive, though September/October is possible. The AirPods Pro 2 will reportedly have a round design and eliminate the short stem that currently sticks out from the bottom.

The AirPods 3 mock-up is courtesy of Mashable.

Dennis Sellers

Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.