Apple is preparing for another big event this fall, and it looks likely the tech giant will showcase its latest wares, which are rumoured to include the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3. The event, called “It’s Glow Time,” will be streamed in India at 10:30 pm IST, and some bright things can be expected from Apple that night. Expected stars of the show include new iPhone 16 models, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods Pro 3. This time, we take a look at all that has been revealed about these sweet releases.
Digital ANC for Improved Active Noise Cancellation
AirPods Pro 3 are set to get bigger noise-cancelling capacitors. Additionally, the new earbuds will also feature a type of “digital ANC,” as claimed by leaker Kosutami, pointing to some significant improvements over its predecessor, AirPods Pro 2. Sony will probably achieve this using advanced audio processing techniques and software tweaks, rather than a big redesign of the physical hardware.
The AirPods Pro 2, as they stand, are already “up to twice” as good at noise cancelling compared with the original earbuds, making them one of our current picks for best wireless earbud noise-cancelling. And now, with digital ANC round two, the AirPods Pro 3 are looking to take this up a notch and give you even better sound isolation for clearer calls in noisier conditions.
The Rumors & Leaks Broke Down
While Kosutami has a solid track record when it comes to leaks, the exact launch date for AirPods Pro 3 is still up in the air. Those rumors also claimed the earbuds would launch “soon,” perhaps in tandem with next week’s September 9 event. Yet, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has humbled the excitement by claiming a 2025 date for AirPods Pro 3, where new health detection capabilities have arrived alongside an improved audio chip and other advancements.
With disparate reports thus far, only time will tell if Apple brings the new product to market in a somewhat surprising fashion — or if it arrives more predictably late. At any rate, hype is building around the AirPods Pro 3 — and news that we could see some improved ANC really adds to our intrigue.
The New AirPods: Same Concept, Fresh Face
On top of the AirPods Pro 3, Apple is also said to be planning updates across its entire line. Some of the products that we can expect to launch at this event include new entry-level AirPods and a middle-tier model, labeled as ‘AirPods 4’ for end users during one of its virtual press briefings on September 9. This new version of the Powerbeats will probably sport a slightly improved design in order to fit better, sound at least a little bit better as well, and charge over USB-C, clearly aligning with this generational change away from Lightning by Apple.
Most notably, we expect that the more affordable AirPods 4 will include active noise cancelling (ANC) for the first time ever in an entry-level pair of buds. Apple hopes that by adding ANC to its less-expensive models, it can attract more people across price brackets for an overall better listening experience.
What About the AirPods Max?
There are also rumors Apple may deliver a small update to the AirPods Max sometime during 2021. The new headphones will use a USB-C port, rather than the currently used Lightning connector. But this is not thought to be a major update, and it’ll instead concentrate on compatibility rather than new features or performance enhancements.
What to Expect from the iPhone 16 Series
Apple is also expected to unveil the AirPods 3 alongside the iPhone 16 series at its September event. This year, the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and an iteration each of the Pro line in (iPhone 16 Pro) will be achieved. Rumors abound with regard to many changes for each model:
- Improved Capture Button and Action Button: The new updated capture button is likely to improve on the photography features, with an action button for quick access to animated actions.
- New A18 Chips: Analyze upcoming A18 chips for better performance and efficiency.
- Extended Battery Life on All Models: All three are projected to offer better battery life, allowing for more hours of charging time between trips.
- Apple Intelligence: The iPhone 16 series will allegedly come with Apple’s AI platform called Apple Intelligence, which provides a complete suite of Artificial intelligence features for a more personalized smartphone experience.
Conclusion
This fall event from Apple should be a big one with likely releases of the AirPods Pro 3 and iPhone 16 series. Bringing digital ANC to the AirPods Pro 3 could kick off a whole new era of noise-cancellation technology in wireless earbuds. Meanwhile, overhauls of the refreshed AirPod line and apparent consideration for updates to come with second-gen versions point toward continued effort from Apple on improving its audio offering.
While we stand by for the real thing, these are rumors and leaks that show us a brand new apple. From audiophiles in the market for top-notch wireless earbuds to tech enthusiasts waiting on their newest iPhone, there’s a little something here likely interests you.
