Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are the latest wireless earbuds from tech giant Apple, and they come with a range of improvements over their ancestors. With a sleeker design, water-resistant build, durable MagSafe charging case, and state-of-the-art software features like spatial audio and adaptive EQ, the AirPods 3rd Generation appear to be a more tailored experience. But are they worth the hype? Let’s dive into the specs.
Design
The impeccable AirPods (3rd Generation) resemble the AirPods Pro, with shorter stems and more rounded earbuds that give a perfect fit into the ear. The glossy finish and the touch-sensitive force sensors let you control calls and music by giving a squeeze. Unlike the AirPods Pro, they don’t have interchangeable eartips, which means they may not fit some people. They also lack active noise cancellation, so users who prefer to block outside noises will feel left out.
The AirPods (3rd Generation) have an IPX4 rating making them resistant to water and sweat. This makes these earbuds suitable for workouts, outdoor activities, but they should not be submerged in water. The water-resistant charging case supports wireless charging with any Qi-compatible pad, including Apple’s MagSafe charger. The case has LED indicators, shows battery status, and can hold up to 30 additional hours of juice for the earbuds.
Sound Quality
The AirPods (3rd Generation) are fitted with a 6mm dynamic driver in each earbud, ensuring a balanced and clear sound across the entire range of frequencies. The adaptive EQ feature automatically adapts sound based on the shape of the ear canal, ensuring a consistent and personalized listening experience regardless of how the earbuds are positioned.
Spatial audio with head tracking is supported by the AirPods (3rd Generation) and creates 3D sound effects when watching movies or shows on an iPhone or iPad. The feature tracks head movements with the help of gyroscopes and accelerometers, and the sound is adjusted accordingly. It works with Dolby Atmos content on streaming services like Apple TV+, making it feel like the listener is in the middle of the action.
The AirPods (3rd Generation) have a microphone with decent quality for phone calls and voice commands. The beamforming technology isolates the user’s voice from noise in the background, and the voice accelerometer detects when speaking. The earbuds work efficiently with Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, which a user can activate by saying “Hey Siri” or squeezing the stem of the earbud.
Battery Life
The battery life of the AirPods (3rd Generation) provides up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, an improvement over the previous models. When the charging case is enabled, the earbuds provide up to 30 hours of total listening time. The earbuds support fast charging, so just 5 minutes of charging gives an hour of music playback.
The AirPods (3rd Generation) have an H1 chip that provides fast and seamless pairing experience with Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. With Bluetooth 5.0, the earbuds offer a dependable and stable wireless connection. The earbuds also sense when the listener places them in or out of their ear and adjust the music accordingly.
Verdict
The AirPods (3rd Generation) are the perfect wireless earbuds upgrade for iPhone users who are willing to spend more money for an enhanced sound quality, design, battery life, and advanced features. The earbuds offer a comfortable and secure fit, water-resistant capabilities, a MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features like spatial audio and adaptive EQ. They also work seamlessly with other Apple devices and services.
However, if users prefer noise cancellation, customizable eartips, or they use an Android device, the AirPods (3rd Generation) may not be the best option. Also, these earbuds are relatively expensive compared to other wireless earbuds in the market. If willing to spend more, you may consider the AirPods Pro or the AirPods Pro 2, but these options may have a shorter battery life.