AirPods 3 Predictions vs Reality, and Which to Buy Now

Updated September 2026: in May 2021 I predicted AirPods 3 with a design closer to AirPods Pro, spatial audio support and better battery life. I have rewritten it to compare those predictions with what Apple released, and to help choose between standard AirPods and AirPods Pro.

After Apple's April 2021 event came and went without new AirPods, I wrote down my expectations. Leaks suggested an updated model, likely called AirPods 3, with a more modern design, a case resembling the AirPods Pro case, spatial audio support and improved battery life.

What did AirPods 3 actually bring?

Apple released the third-generation AirPods in October 2021. They had shorter stems and a shape closer to AirPods Pro, but without silicone tips or noise cancellation. They supported spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, had improved battery life, sweat and water resistance, and a MagSafe-compatible case. Most of my predictions held.

What has happened since?

In 2024 Apple replaced them with AirPods 4, offered in two versions: one without and one with active noise cancellation, both with an open design and a USB-C case. That made noise cancellation available without the in-ear tips of AirPods Pro.

Standard AirPods or AirPods Pro?

Choose standard AirPods if you dislike in-ear tips and want a lighter feel.
Choose AirPods 4 with noise cancellation for some noise reduction without tips.
Choose AirPods Pro for the strongest noise cancellation, a sealed fit, hearing features and the best sound in noisy places.

Do standard AirPods fit everyone?

No. Because they have no tips, their fit depends on the shape of your ears; for some people they fall out easily, and for others they are more comfortable than any in-ear design. Try them in a store if you can, or buy from a seller with an easy return policy.

How accurate are Apple leaks in general?

Design leaks from supply chains are often close, as the AirPods 3 leaks were. Timing and features are less reliable; products slip by months and rumoured features sometimes never appear. Treat a single leak as a hint, not a plan.

Should you buy now or wait?

If your current earbuds work, wait for a sale or the next model. If they are failing, buy the current model; Apple's audio products tend to receive useful software updates for years.