AirPods Pro 3 Rumored to Feature Redesigned Case With Touch Controls, No Pairing Button

Apple's next generation AirPods Pro 3 will get a redesigned charging case that introduces touch controls and drops the physical pairing button, according to a new rumor. The information comes from @asherdipps and @majinbuofficial on X.

According to the reports, the charging case for the AirPods Pro 3 will do away with the pairing button, simplifying the design and reducing mechanical components. In its place, the case will reportedly feature new touch controls on the front, similar to those on the AirPods 4, allowing users to pair the earbuds with a tap. The new controls may also support basic playback functions such as play, pause, or skip.

Where the reports diverge is on size. One source suggests a slight reduction, while another cites accessory manufacturer dimensions showing a design nearly identical to the current model. The updated case is expected to retain support for a lanyard.


The release timeline is also contested. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently stated that new AirPods Pro are in Apple's fall pipeline. However, analyst Jeff Pu has forecast that the AirPods Pro 3 will not enter mass production until 2026, a view echoed by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

While new hardware may be further off, Apple is preparing significant new software features for current models this fall. AirPods Pro 2 will soon gain studio-quality audio recording and a remote camera function, along with other improvements.

Currently, Amazon has AirPods Pro 2 discounted from $249 to $199 and AirPods 4 discounted from $129 to just $89. You can track AirPods price history and set price alerts using the iClarified AirPods Price Tracker.

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