66 MACWORLD JANUARY 2022
FEATURE REVIEW: AIRPODS (3RD GENERATION)We’ve been waiting for Apple
to release an update to its
basic AirPods for quite some
time. First released five years
ago, AirPods have become a huge hit and
nearly ubiquitous everywhere you see
in-ear wireless earbuds, but the second-
generation update two years ago left
much to be desired. It improved battery life
and added hands-free “Hey, Siri” support—
and not much else.
AirPods Pro (fave.co/3BGniRe) are a
wonderful step up from basic AirPods, but
the $250 price is out of reach for many.
Now we have the third-generation
AirPods. Finally, these basic and more
affordable AirPods bring some of what we
love about the AirPods Pro down to a
more affordable level. Longer battery life,
a more comfortable design with shorter
stems, and greatly improved sound quality
combine to make this an upgrade worth
paying a little extra for.BIG IMPROVEMENTS
TO SOUND QUALITY
The AirPods’ new look will be the first
thing you notice, but the improved sound
quality will make the most lasting
impression.