Headphones · 2021 · Apple

Apple AirPods (3rd generation)

AirPods (3rd generation) are Apple’s 2021 wireless earbuds without silicone tips. They brought a short stem and force sensor similar to AirPods Pro, Spatial Audio with head tracking, Adaptive EQ and IPX4 resistance. There is no active noise cancellation; they use the H1 chip and Bluetooth 5.0.

AirPods (3rd generation) launched in 2021 with the MagSafe Charging Case; from 2022 a version with the Lightning Charging Case was also sold. The earbuds are the same with either case. AirPods 4, AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro are separate models.

Apple AirPods (3rd generation) — Apple image of AirPods (3rd generation) with earbuds and charging case.
Apple image of AirPods (3rd generation) with earbuds and charging case.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
Design and fitOpen-fit in-ear design without silicone tips; short stem

Because the earbud does not seal the canal, ambient sound is heard; fit depends on ear shape and there are no interchangeable tips.

Audio technologyCustom high-excursion Apple driver; custom high dynamic range amplifier; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ

Adaptive EQ measures what is heard in the ear with the inward-facing microphone and adjusts the tuning to the fit in real time. Head tracking anchors sound to the Apple device’s screen. There is no active noise cancellation or transparency mode.

Chip and connectivityH1 headphone chip; Bluetooth 5.0

Automatic device switching, “Hey Siri” and one-tap pairing work with Apple devices.

Sensors and microphonesDual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone, skin-detect sensor, motion and speech-detecting accelerometers, force sensor

The skin-detect sensor pauses playback when an earbud is removed.

ControlsPress the stem once to play/pause or answer a call; twice to skip forward or end a call; three times to skip back; press and hold for Siri

There is no on-bud volume control.

BatteryUp to 6 hours of listening per charge (5 hours with Personalised Spatial Audio on); up to 30 hours with the case; 5 minutes in the case ≈ 1 hour of listening
Charging caseMagSafe Charging Case (MagSafe, Qi and Lightning) or Lightning Charging Case

The included cable is Lightning to USB-C; there is no adapter.

Sweat and water resistanceIPX4: earbuds and charging case

IPX4 protects against splashes; it is not for submersion.

Size and weightEarbud (each): 30.79 × 18.26 × 19.21 mm, 4.28 g; case: 46.40 × 54.40 × 21.38 mm, 37.91 g

From the manufacturer

Apple presents the third-generation AirPods with Personalised Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ and up to 6 hours of listening per charge. Apple Support

Strengths and limitations

  • According to What Hi-Fi, the third generation gives fuller bass and a clearer, more organised sound than AirPods 2, with an even balance, though harshness and congestion were heard at high volume. AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM4 were found to sound better. Spatial Audio with head tracking is impressive in films and series but can cost vocal focus with music. Lossless Apple Music is not supported because of the AAC limit. The tipless fit suited most of the team but may not suit everyone; stem-squeeze controls are hard during exercise and there is no on-bud volume. Battery life rose to 30 hours and the case is IPX4 too.

    What Hi-Fi review (2021); test unit with the MagSafe case.

    What Hi-Fi: Apple AirPods 3 review

Tags

2021APPLEAIRPODSTRUE-WIRELESSSPATIAL-AUDIOMAGSAFE

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Sources

  1. Apple Support: AirPods 3 tech specs (UK)
  2. What Hi-Fi: Apple AirPods 3 review