At today's quickie Apple event, the company dropped an extensively upgraded version of its ubiquitous AirPods. And while they don't supplant the Pros, the new AirPods—or, as Apple dubs them, the AirPods 3rd Generation—have gone semi-Pro. Plenty of tech and design has trickled down.
Those new AirPods sure do look like the AirPods Pro…
I told you! The new Apple AirPods have shorter “stems” dangling off the in-ear portion (though still seemingly longer than the stubby Pros' stems) and a very similar short-and-squat case. That case has wireless charging, and works with a MagSafe charger.
What you don't get: interchangeable ear tips. These AirPods remain one-size-fits-deal-with-it. But they are sweat-and-water resistant, unlike the original-recipe AirPods.
On the front-facing side of the new AirPods' stems, you might notice a little depression—that's the Force sensor control. Apple didn't spend much time explaining what exactly the sensor is capable of doing, but please let it offer more granular control of the Pods than the current, wildly limited tap system. I no longer wish to look like I've got swimmer's ear in public in order to skip track.
See that indent up there, on the right side of the top AirPods' stem? That's the mysterious Force sensor. Who knows what it can do?!
Do the new AirPods sound better?
According to Apple, yes. To be honest, improving the audio on the base AirPods is a low bar to clear. They're almost five years old, and they didn't sound particularly great when they launched. To help, Apple's borrowed the spatial audio processing (which makes sound feel like it's coming directionally from somewhere) and adaptive EQ (automatic audio adjustment based on fit) from the AirPods Pro. Plus, there's an upgraded teeny, weeny speaker—fine, driver—inside the new AirPods that Apple says will deliver thumpier lows and cleaner highs.
Sleeping on the
Please, the battery life? I must know.
It's longer than before. The new AirPods get six hours of listening from one charge (a one-hour improvement); they'll get 30 hours total with the help of the case (good for four more charges). You can get an hour of listening out of a five-minute charge—helpful for morning workouts and long flights and those days where your calendar is a brick wall of Zoom meetings and you're forced to confront, briefly, the ways capitalism is destroying your soul.
What'll the new AirPods set me back?
They'll cost $179, with the old-school AirPods (retroactively dubbed the 2nd Generation) remaining on sale for $129.
You can order up the new AirPods right dang now. They'll start to ship next week.
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