The third-generation AirPods, also known as AirPods 3, were presented at Apple’s ‘Unleashed’ event on Monday (3rd Generation). The new AirPods 2 are the successor of the AirPods 2, which were released in March 2019.
Unlike the previous model or the original AirPods, which were released in 2016, the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) have an updated design that resembles the AirPods Pro. Shorter stems improve ergonomics and provide a better grip. The new AirPods also come with a wireless charging case that supports Apple’s MagSafe standard. Apple also introduced the Apple Music Voice service and three new HomePod mini color options: Blue, Orange, and Yellow, in addition to the new AirPods.
Price and availability of Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) in India.
The pricing of Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) in India is Rs. 18,500. Starting Monday, the new truly wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds will be available for pre-order through the Apple India Online Store, and will be ready for purchase on Tuesday, October 26. The redesigned AirPods will cost $179 in the United States (roughly Rs. 13,500). Starting Tuesday, the earphones will be accessible in more than 26 different nations and regions.
The AirPods (2nd Generation) were released in India in 2019 for Rs. 14,900. Apple also introduced a wireless charging case, which costs Rs. 18,900. The AirPods 2 were released in the United States for $79 (approximately Rs. 5,800), with a $199 price tag for the variant with the wireless charging case (roughly Rs. 14,600).
The AirPods (2nd Generation) have not been withdrawn, and will be offered at a new price of Rs. 12,900. The AirPods Pro will be offered at the same price of Rs. 24,900 as before.
In addition to the AirPods (3rd Generation), Apple also released the HomePod mini in Blue, Orange, and Yellow, as well as White and Grey. In November, the new color options will be available from the Apple India Online Store and Apple Authorized Resellers.
Specifications for Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
The AirPods Pro-like design is the most visible and major change that the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) deliver. Like the AirPods Pro, the earbuds are equipped with a Force sensor for pressure control. Furthermore, the AirPods (3rd Generation) contain the same hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ voice assistant capability as the previous generation. Apple Music also includes Dolby Atmos compatibility. A bespoke driver and a high dynamic range amplifier are also included in the new model, both of which are said to improve bass power and offer clean high frequencies.
For FaceTime calls, Apple has added support for the AAC-ELD codec, which provides full HD voice quality. Adaptive EQ is also included, which is said to help modify sound in real time based on how AirPods fit in the user’s ear. The AirPods (3rd Generation) also incorporate Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which was previously only available on the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
The new AirPods also have a skin-detect sensor that, according to Apple, can reliably determine whether the earbuds are in the ear, in a pocket, or on a table, and can cease playback when they are removed.
Apple claims that the AirPods (3rd Generation) have an hour more battery life than prior generations, with up to six hours of listening time and four hours of speaking time. Wireless charging is also possible with the included case, which supports the MagSafe protocol. Furthermore, the AirPods (3rd Generation) are rated to provide an hour of battery life after only five minutes of charging. With four extra charges in the case, users will get 30 hours of total listening time.
Voice of Apple Music
Along with the new AirPods, Apple announced Apple Music Voice, a new subscription-based music service that would cost Rs. 49 ($4.99 in the US) per month. It will only be available to Siri users who want to listen to Apple Music. Australia, Austria, Canada, China Mainland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Taiwan, the United States, and the United Kingdom will be among the first nations to offer the new plan. It will be available alongside the existing Individual and Family plans, and will be accessible from one user account across all Apple devices.
Apple Music’s Individual subscription costs Rs. 99 per month, while the Family plan costs Rs. 149 per month and includes up to six accounts. Both of these existing subscriptions include access to Apple Music’s premium features, such as Spatial Audio and Lossless Audio, Lyrics, and Music Videos, which aren’t included in the new Voice plan.
