Minimalism has been a hallmark in designs for a long time. It seems the company is taking that philosophy to the next level with the upcoming AirPods Pro 3. While the earbuds themselves are expected to maintain their familiar look, a new leak points to a significant change on the AirPods Pro 3’s charging case: a switch from the traditional pairing button to a new set of touch controls.
AirPods Pro 3 tipped to have a button-free charging case
For years, the small, circular button on the back of the AirPods case has been a familiar sight. This is the classic button that you use for the initial pairing process and to reset the earbuds. But according to a recent report from tipster Majin Bu , that button is on its way out. In its place, the new case is rumored to have touch-sensitive controls on the front. This move would align the AirPods Pro 3 with the rest of Apple’ s ecosystem, where intuitive, touch-based gestures are becoming a key part of the user experience. The case will also reportedly retain support for the lanyard, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories.
Imagine simply tapping the case to pair your earbuds with your iPhone or managing basic functions like music playback and volume. This shift aims to simplify the overall design and enhance usability, especially for those moments when you’re on the go and can’t easily fiddle with a small button.
Beyond the case, the new AirPods Pro are expected to bring more subtle refinements to the audio experience and connectivity. The focus is on a seamless, high-quality experience that reinforces Apple’s place in the market. The design of the earbuds themselves is expected to remain consistent with the previous models. There are no images of the earbuds yet, but you can expect something very similar to the AirPods Pro 2.
The leaks suggest the new AirPods Pro 3 could arrive as early as this fall. Apple could launch the earbuds during its upcoming September event alongside the new iPhone 17 series. These updates suggest the AirPods Pro 3 will be a balanced and practical upgrade. The company will introduce some welcome features while preserving the essence of the Pro line.
