Rumors have been swirling for what seems like forever, but Apple's new third-generation AirPods are nearly here. Announced at the company's October press event alongside new MacBook Pros, these wireless earbuds offer features like spatial audio and improved battery life.
The new AirPods are now available to preorder from all the usual retailers. They're out October 26 and they cost $179.
Preorder 3rd-Gen Apple AirPods
The headlining new feature of these AirPods is spatial audio, which can make music and other recordings sound like its coming from directions all around you. Another new feature is adaptive EQ, which changes the sound output based on the unique shape of your ear.
On a quality-of-life level, perhaps the biggest improvement is the battery life. These earbuds offer six hours of use on a single charge. And since the case also has a (bigger) battery in it, if you store your AirPods between uses, you'll get four additional charges, for a total listening time of 30 hours. That's pretty impressive.
It also supports quick-charging, giving you an hour's worth of use with just a five-minute charge. The case has wireless charging capabilities. It works with wireless-Qi chargers, including, of course, Apple's MagSafe charger.
You can control music and phone calls using force sensors built into the AirPods. They're water resistant, so you can wear them while working out or walking in the rain.
AirPods 2nd gen are still available, with a new price of $129.
Chris Reed is a deals expert and commerce editor for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @_chrislreed.