On This Day - What happened 18 October 2021 AD

Apple announced the third generation AirPods on October 18, 2021. They feature an external redesign with shorter stems similar to AirPods Pro and use similar pinch controls. They include support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, IPX4 water resistance, skin detection, and a case supporting MagSafe charging. Apple claims increased battery life, with AirPods lasting six hours and the charging case providing up to 30 hours.

Preorders of the third generation AirPods began on October 18, 2021, and are planned to be released on October 26, 2021, at the price of $179.