Apple has updated its wireless AirPods headphones, with a new design and improved audio. The earphones were presented at an event with new MacBooks, new colours for the HomePod mini speaker and a new Apple Music plan at the lower price of USD 5 per month.
The third-generation AirPods cost USD 179 and will be available in stores 26 October. Apple uses Adaptive EQ to adjust the sound to the individual fit of the earphones and delivers spatial audio featuring Dolby Atmos across its devices. In addition, the new AirPods and their case come with an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to sweat and water, and feature a force sensor like on the AirPods Pro, for easier control of music and phone calls. Battery life is estimated at up to six hours of listening time, or up to 30 hours with the charging case.
The previous generation of AirPods will still be available, at a reduced price of USD 129. The company also introduced the new colours of orange, blue and yellow, in addition to white and grey, for the Homepod mini speaker, which sells for USD 99.
Apple Music on Siri
In addition, the company launched the Apple Music Voice Plan at USD 5 per month, or half the usual subscription rate. The plan works only with voice controls on Apple's digital assistant Siri, while giving subscribers access to the same library of 90 million songs.
Apple Music is also adding hundreds of new mood and activity playlists optimized just for voice. Subscribers can ask Siri to “Play the dinner party playlist,” “Play something chill,” or “Play more like this”.
The Apple Music Voice Plan will be available later this fall in 17 countries and regions, including Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Taiwan, the UK, and the US.
The new products were unveiled at an event featuring Apple's new MacBook range of premium computers. These run its new M1 Pro and M1 Max internally designed chips.
