After missing in action during Apple's September event, the tech giant has finally unveiled the long-awaited third-generation model refresh of its AirPods.
Succeeding the second-generation AirPods, released back in 2019, the third iteration of Apple's entry-level wireless earbuds offers a redesign, bearing some similarities to the higher-end AirPods Pros. While not a direct replacement for the Pro, the third-gen AirPods do include some Pro features, most notably spatial audio in addition to water and sweat resistance. Though active noise cancellation is still something that remains exclusive to the AirPods Pros.
Battery life has also been extended with Apple claiming the third-generation AirPods have an extended battery life of six hours, with total listening time up to 30 hours, according to the tech giant. The new AirPods are also compatible with Apple's MagSafe charging system.
The 2021 AirPods offer $179 — $50 more than the second-generation AirPods are currently retailing for. Orders beginning today and will release sometime next week.
Alongside the announcement of new AirPods, Apple also announced a slew of new products, including two new M1 chips and redesigned MacBook Pros. For more information on everything announced during today's event, check out our roundup of everything announced during Apple's second fall hardware event.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.