The AirPods Pro 3 are about to be unveiled. After Bloomberg revealed new hints about the launch earlier this week, there's now fresh speculation about the design. The charging case is said to be smaller and will dispense with the familiar pairing button. This brings the AirPods Pro 3 closer in appearance to the AirPods 4, which were released last year with similar changes.
Three years have now passed since the release of the AirPods Pro 2. Many have wondered when Apple would release a successor. There have been few concrete leaks about new features so far, but recent rumors suggest that Apple is not only improving the internals of the AirPods Pro 3, but also tweaking the external design. Two well-known leakers, Asher Dipprey and Majin Bu, are now providing details that point to a clear direction.
Two design changes to the charging case
The most noticeable changes concern the charging case. Firstly, it's supposed to be significantly more compact, making it easier to handle and more portable. Secondly, the physical pairing button on the back has disappeared. This follows the path Apple already took with the AirPods 4.
Uniform product design
With these changes, Apple is bringing the two main AirPods models closer together. The smaller case and the removal of the button make the AirPods Pro 3 look more like the AirPods 4. For Apple, this means a more consistent lineup, with the standard and Pro models having more similarities at first glance.
Effects on the earphones
The smaller case could also have a direct impact on the size of the earbuds themselves. If the dimensions were significantly reduced, a more compact shape for the AirPods Pro 3 would be a natural fit. This could provide a more comfortable fit, especially for users with smaller ears.
Confirmation by known leakers
The hints about the design changes came from Asher Dippyre, who published them in a post on X. Shortly thereafter, leaker Majin Bu confirmed the information and hinted that more details could follow soon. Both sources are well-known in the Apple community and are often correct with their predictions.
Bloomberg with additional context
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that the AirPods Pro 3 would feature a new design. While he remained vague at the time, recent leaks support his claims. Combined with the expected improvements in sound, battery life, and possible health features, this paints a picture of a generation that offers more than just minor updates.
AirPods Pro 3 could be released in just a few weeks
The AirPods Pro 3 are taking shape. A more compact charging case, the removal of the pairing button, and possibly smaller earbuds are the central themes of current rumors. After three years without any visible design changes, Apple appears to be preparing a noticeable evolution. While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, evidence is mounting that the launch of the AirPods Pro 3 is just a few weeks away. (Image: Shutterstock / Mehaniq)
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