Alleged Images of AirPods 3 With 'Pro' Design Shared Online [Updated]

[MacRumors]

Leaker known as "DuanRui" has today shared images from Chinese site 52audio of what appears to be redesigned third-generation AirPods.

According to translated text that accompanied the images, the first image supposedly depicts a single "earphone shell" and the "charging cockpit shell." The earbud itself seems to be completely redesigned compared to the first and second-generation AirPods, with a larger, rounder shape.

The third-generation AirPods are described as "a scaled-down version of AirPods Pro," with the "internal structure of the headset and charging box" being "basically the same."

A render of the two earbuds shows that they have clearly taken design cues from AirPods Pro, with shorter stems and a larger in-ear portion, but without the AirPods Pro's detachable in-ear tips.

The third-generation AirPods will also apparently gain "pressure-sensitive touch" controls from AirPods Pro, and this is indicated by depressions in the stem. Without in-ear tips, it is unlikely that they could achieve Active Noise Cancelation, which could serve to differentiate the two models.

Third-generation AirPods have been rumored for some time. The report states that the "AirPods Pro Lite" that were rumored earlier this year were in fact third-generation AirPods.

A recent report by Bloomberg surmised that third-generation AirPods would arrive next year with a design similar to ‌AirPods Pro‌, but minus high-end features such as Active Noise Cancelation.

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also said that third-generation AirPods will launch in the first half of 2021 with a design and compact system-in-package "similar to AirPods Pro." Manufacturers are also reportedly preparing for a 2021 launch.

Although the legitimacy of these images is not yet known, the similarity of the alleged images to a range of leaks from reliable sources is striking. The chances of the images being genuine may also be enhanced by the fact they were shared by DuanRui, who has accurately leaked the correct names of the iPhone 12 models and an iPad Air 4 manual revealing its new design.

Update: We've removed an x-ray image shared by 52audio that is clearly just a squished version of the AirPods Pro case. The original report did note that the "authenticity of this picture is in doubt," while the legitimacy of the other images included in the report remains unclear.

Article Link: Alleged Images of AirPods 3 With 'Pro' Design Shared Online [Updated]

 

[farewelwilliams]

lol they even got an X-ray. absolute leaker.

 

[Andy-V]

The x-ray is the same image but one is squished? Right?

 

[Daku93]

The x-ray is the same image but one is squished? Right?

Pretty sure, yes.

 

[Abstract]

That’s the laziest photoshop ever. ?

 

[Seanm87]

There you go everyone. I said at the time not to panic just because they were using the same design didn’t mean they would be in ear.

 

[Costino1]

Looks like these are replacing the AirPods original style. I feel bad for people who cant use the Pro style and have to use this one. They might fall out.

 

[Romke]

This is most certainly fake information.
All images 3 are faked. First one is 2 non matching pieces placed together, X-ray is 2x the same image and last one is a badly done 3D render.

 

[yurc]

Marvel of miniaturization of technology is great on AirPods, but it won't solve battery lifespan issue and always end up in landfill as disposable gadget....

 

[loekf]

Sorry guys, picture of the Airpods 3 is fake. If you take the X-ray of the Pro's and scale it to 323 x 337 pixels (~70%):

you get exactly the same picture. Also check the size of the lightning connector.

 

[Wando64]

There you go everyone. I said at the time not to panic just because they were using the same design didn’t mean they would be in ear.

Sure, but just because someone has posted some photoshopped images it doesn't mean it is going to happen.

Those are Pros without the rubber bit. I'd be curious for someone to try their Pros without the rubber and see how they (most likely don't) sit in the ear.
In any case, it is pretty obvious that the case and the earphone in the first photo just don't match. I am not sure what they were trying to prove.

 

[Reapro]

New AirPods with a Lightning port that's around half the size. MacRumors use your eyes instead of spreading this garbage.

 

[Gatto37]

What a news! I can do better...

 

[iphonehype]

Looks like these are replacing the AirPods original style. I feel bad for people who cant use the Pro style and have to use this one. They might fall out.

Yes they are moving away from Jonny Ive design......not good idea. I have to use Foam Tips for my Pro. I have a feeling if Ive was doing this, it would be totally different.

 

[rp2011]

After owning 2nd gen airpods and now just getting the recently released Beats flex, I think I much prefer the lack of the spongey tip even if it means loss of noise cancelling.

 

[rp2011]

What a news! I can do better... View attachment 1082571

I think we now know Craig was the Apple executive that had the inspiration for the design of Airpods and took it to Ives.

 

[MVMNT]

The iPhone 12 is a Pro-Lite, these are too.

 

[kingalien]

Honey I shrunk the AirPods....X-ray pic.

 

[BulkSlash]

? They're not in-ear! These will be an insta-buy for me if they're real. I hope we can get them in other colours too...

 

[AngerDanger]

So it’ll have the same bulbous design but lack the features that necessitate it. Cool.

 

[smoothride]

That X-RAY pic though, they even leak their own fake leaks, haha

 

[coredev]

Sorry guys, picture of the Airpods 3 is fake. If you take the X-ray of the Pro's and scale it to 323 x 337 pixels (~70%):

View attachment 1082566

you get exactly the same picture. Also check the size of the lightning connector.

Well, article says "scaled down version of the Pro"

 

[Alfredo_Delgado]

What a news! I can do better... View attachment 1082571

I can tell this one isn't real because there aren't two.

 

[CJM]

Come on MR, easy to tell after a quick glance that the X-ray ‘leak’ is a very hasty photoshop.

 

[Wayfarer]

Looks like the AirPod Pros, but less chonkier.