Kuo: AirPods 3 to Launch in First Half of 2021 With Similar Design as AirPods Pro

Apple plans to launch third-generation AirPods with a form factor design "similar to AirPods Pro" in the first half of 2021, according to the latest research note from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, obtained by MacRumors.

AirPods3
Introduced in November 2019, the AirPods Pro feature an in-ear design with three sizes of soft, flexible silicone tips included in the box, along with shorter stems below the ear. AirPods Pro also have several upgraded features over regular AirPods, including active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and water and sweat resistance.

The current AirPods lineup includes second-generation AirPods with a wired charging case for $159, second-generation AirPods with a wireless charging case for $199, and AirPods Pro with a wireless charging case for $249.

Kuo also reiterated that iPhone 12 models will not include EarPods in the box, which he believes will help boost AirPods shipments into 2021. He also expects AirPods shipments to benefit from some kind of promotion program launching in the second half of 2020 — perhaps allowing customers to purchase AirPods at a discount alongside the iPhone 12?

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

480951 Avatar
74 months ago
I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eriamjh1138@DAN Avatar
74 months ago
I'm on my second pair of airpods and the first are garbage after 2 years. Battery life has gone down the drain.

Not sure I'm so interested in spending $150 every 2 years for them.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jezbd1997 Avatar
74 months ago

I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.
I agree, I only have the 2nd gen and I’ve heard people still prefer the regular ones over the pro in comfort. I’ve tried in ear headphones before and while audio quality is better (expected) there’s compromises
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsmilo Avatar
74 months ago

I agree, I only have the 2nd gen and I’ve heard people still prefer the regular ones over the pro in comfort. I’ve tried in ear headphones before and while audio quality is better (expected) there’s compromises
i can agree with that. I have the first gen Air Pods and also the Pro and I wore the 1st gen for the first time in forever recently and I was like DAMN it really feels you have nothing in your ears, while I have to keep re-adjusting my IN EAR AirPods all the time ironically. Also the Bass was a lot more noticeable. I was almost like shoot, why did I even buy the Pro lol
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KrisLord Avatar
74 months ago

I find it difficult to believe Apple would discontinue the design that doesn’t go in-ear (or not offer both) as that’s the AirPods design that is literally everywhere and what some people prefer. I think it’s more likely they offer both choices to customers.
I agree, I don’t get the logic of moving to the pro design.
I got the pro for my birthday and they’re good quite a different experience to the normal AirPods.

I was flying regularly when I expressed an interest in the pros to my wife whereas now I’m stuck WFH where there’s far less need for ANC.

I find wearing both pros and holding a call rather off putting as your voice sounds odd (to yourself, not others on the call)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wahlstrm Avatar
74 months ago
I had the 1st version for about 2 years or so before I broke them while trying to clean them.
Bought the PRO´s and if I ever buy AirPods again I will buy the non PRO. I liked it a lot better.
The ANC on the PRO´s are more or less "just on paper" and main point of AirPods is the ease of use.
The PRO´s have never felt as easy and effortless to use as to standard version.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)