According to DigiTimes' supply chain sources (via WCCFTech), the Apple AirPods 3 may finally be available in the first half of 2021.

Rumors of the third-generation AirPods have been circulating for some time now, and we had expected them to appear sometime in 2020. However, recent leaks and reports put it in early 2021, and this new report makes that release date even more certain.

With the iPhone 12 and Apple Watch 6 expected to launch this fall, perhaps at a September or early October showcase, the AirPods 3 appear to be a solid partner for other Apple devices. So those hoping for a new set of AirPods to coincide with Apple's big product launch this fall may be disappointed.

However, the AirPods Pro has not yet been available for a year, having been released in October 2019. Therefore, it makes sense that Apple might hold off on the next generation AirPods.

The AirPods 3 are expected to be similar in design to the AirPods Pro and may even feature active noise cancellation; while ANC would be a great feature for the upcoming AirPods, such technology would give Apple fans a more expensive earphone It is possible that such technology will be refrained from in the next generation AirPods Pro in order to provide Apple fans with an incentive to opt for a more expensive set.

However, AirPods 3 could have other interesting features. For example, bone conduction technology that allows audio to be effectively sent through the bones of the skull. This seems like a pretty high-end feature for Apple to include in mainstream wireless earbuds. However, this would help the AirPods 3 stand out from rivals like the Google Pixel Buds 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds Live.

We will likely have to wait and see what Apple has planned for the AirPods 3. If it is about 6 months away, we would expect more information to be leaked from Apple by then. But if you're looking to fix your Apple audio before 2021, the AirPods Studio might be for you.

The AirPods Studio is expected to be an over-ear headphone packed with clever audio features and smarts, and will likely challenge Sony's WH-1000XM4. the AirPods Studio is said to be revealed on September 8.