Apple has unveiled a third generation of AirPods, with an all-new contoured design, extended battery life and support for Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos Dynamic Head Tracking.
In terms of performance, these 3rd gen AirPods are much closer to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. With the same computational audio, and a novel acoustic system, they offer Adaptive EQ and a fully immersive listening experience.
Adaptive EQ tunes sound in real time based on how the AirPods fit the user’s ear. An inward-facing microphone monitors for sound, and then Adaptive EQ processing tunes low and mid frequencies.
Spatial Audio works with Dolby Atmos content, as well as stereo sources, while Dynamic Head Tracking locks the soundstage in place, so that it re-orientates if you turn your head. The technology also works with facetime calls.
Spatial Audio works with Dolby Atmos content, as well as stereo sources. Dynamic Head Tracking locks the immersive soundstage in place, so that it re-orientates if you turn your head…
Apple AirPods 3rd Generation adopt a new design with shorter stems
These 3rd gen AirPods also look slightly different to their predecessors. The new design reveals a shorter stem, and adds the force sensor first seen on AirPods Pro, for media control and phone calls.
The new AirPods are resistant to sweat and water, with both the AirPods and the charging case IPX4 rated.
Battery life has also been improved by one hour, with up to six hours of listening time and up to four hours of talk time. A quick five minute recharge offers around an hour of playtime.
Inside each pod is a custom driver and high dynamic range amplifier; the microphone is covered by an acoustic mesh to help combat wind roar, thereby improving voice call quality. These AirPods also feature AAC-ELD, a speech codec designed to offer full HD voice quality for FaceTime chats.
Spatial Audio works with music, movies and TV from Apple devices
Usability is typically Apple. A one-touch setup automatically pairs AirPods with other Apple devices, while Audio Sharing allows listeners to share the audio stream between two sets of AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, while using iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV.
A new skin-detect sensor is used to determine if the AirPods are in your ear, pausing music when they’re not in place.
Available from October 26, the AirPods (3rd generation) sell for £169, while AirPods (2nd generation) assume a new price point of £119.
Introducing Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, the latest Bluetooth headphone from the iconic UK Hi-Fi marque. These updated flagship cans build on the foundations of the original Px8, introducing mechanical and acoustic improvements for a more stable fit and commensurately expressive sound. With high-res wireless codec support, advanced noise cancellation and luxury materials, this new…
The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
Amazon is looking to carve itself a lucrative slice of the booming lifestyle TV market, with the announcement of the Amazon Ember Artline Fire TV series. The Ember Artline marks Amazon’s debut in the fast-growing gallery TV sector. The category is currently led by Samsung’s long-running The Frame series. Like its inspiration, the new model…
Apple has unveiled a third generation of AirPods, with an all-new contoured design, extended battery life and support for Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos Dynamic Head Tracking.
In terms of performance, these 3rd gen AirPods are much closer to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. With the same computational audio, and a novel acoustic system, they offer Adaptive EQ and a fully immersive listening experience.
Adaptive EQ tunes sound in real time based on how the AirPods fit the user’s ear. An inward-facing microphone monitors for sound, and then Adaptive EQ processing tunes low and mid frequencies.
Spatial Audio works with Dolby Atmos content, as well as stereo sources, while Dynamic Head Tracking locks the soundstage in place, so that it re-orientates if you turn your head. The technology also works with facetime calls.
These 3rd gen AirPods also look slightly different to their predecessors. The new design reveals a shorter stem, and adds the force sensor first seen on AirPods Pro, for media control and phone calls.
The new AirPods are resistant to sweat and water, with both the AirPods and the charging case IPX4 rated.
Battery life has also been improved by one hour, with up to six hours of listening time and up to four hours of talk time. A quick five minute recharge offers around an hour of playtime.
Inside each pod is a custom driver and high dynamic range amplifier; the microphone is covered by an acoustic mesh to help combat wind roar, thereby improving voice call quality. These AirPods also feature AAC-ELD, a speech codec designed to offer full HD voice quality for FaceTime chats.
Usability is typically Apple. A one-touch setup automatically pairs AirPods with other Apple devices, while Audio Sharing allows listeners to share the audio stream between two sets of AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, while using iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV.
A new skin-detect sensor is used to determine if the AirPods are in your ear, pausing music when they’re not in place.
Available from October 26, the AirPods (3rd generation) sell for £169, while AirPods (2nd generation) assume a new price point of £119.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: new headphone flagship offers bigger sound, gorgeous design
Introducing Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, the latest Bluetooth headphone from the iconic UK Hi-Fi marque. These updated flagship cans build on the foundations of the original Px8, introducing mechanical and acoustic improvements for a more stable fit and commensurately expressive sound. With high-res wireless codec support, advanced noise cancellation and luxury materials, this new…
Drink in 2026 with these Jamaican sherried rum, peated whisky, and high-strength bourbon exclusives
The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
Amazon enters gallery TV arena with design-led Ember Artline Fire TV range
Amazon is looking to carve itself a lucrative slice of the booming lifestyle TV market, with the announcement of the Amazon Ember Artline Fire TV series. The Ember Artline marks Amazon’s debut in the fast-growing gallery TV sector. The category is currently led by Samsung’s long-running The Frame series. Like its inspiration, the new model…
Share this: