Apple has introduced the 3rd generation AirPods for 2021.
The AirPods 3rd-gen 2021, as basic as its predecessors are, gets a couple of welcome updates. The main one is Apple’s Spatial Audio technology that was used to be exclusive to fancier audio devices like the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
Spatial audio essentially makes sound three-dimensional and immersive. With dynamic head tracking, you can tell where the music is coming from when you move your head.
Also, voices from a FaceTime Group call will sound like they’re coming from the direction they are in the screen.
The new AirPods also has a brand new design. It looks a lot like the AirPods Pro minus the in-ear tips. This means the speaker drivers are shoved to your ears and the stems are shorter so it’s less distracting.
It also has the same force sensor that you have to pinch if you want to play/pause/skip music or answer/end calls.
It also comes with IPX4 rating for sweat and water protection, great for those who want to work out with it.
As for sound quality, Apple designed a special dynamic driver and amplifier that’s said to offer deep and rich bass and crisp and clean highs.
Apple also included an Adaptive EQ feature. It utilizes an inward-facing microphone that analyzes the fit in real-time to provide the right EQ.
The new AirPods 2021 model also has a longer battery. Each bud can last for 6 hours on a single charge. Together with the charging case, it can last up to 30 hours.
Oh, Apple also brought the iPhone 13 series’ MagSafe charging on this device. Albeit, you have to purchase a MagSafe charging puck yourself as the one that comes in the box is the standard Lightning to USB Type-C cable.
The new AirPods 3rd generation has a price of Php10,990 in the Philippines. The official availability date is yet to be announced.