Counterfeit AirPods 3 hit the market prior to the official release of the product

According to a recent report, Apple is expected to launch AirPods 3 in the third quarter of 2021. The mid-range earbuds are rumored to bring a huge refresh to the current AirPods lineup.

Despite the fact that AirPods 3 have not been officially announced by the Cupertino tech giant, counterfeit products of the unreleased earbuds have already started to hit the market overseas.

Counterfeit AirPods 3 have begun popping up overseas

Several TikTok videos of the fake AirPods 3 have already begun circulating on Twitter. The earbuds look pretty similar to the images that surfaced a few months ago. Design similarities aside, one of the videos shows the earbuds being connected to an iPad recognized as the “AirPods 4th generation”.

The counterfeit AirPods 3 look exactly like previously leaked renders. The charging case is shorter and wider similar to AirPods Pro, as are the earbuds. The stems aren’t nearly as long as AirPods 2, and the heads of the product appear to be angled. However, it is unclear whether the plastic shell surrounding the case of the counterfeit product can be removed. Aside from the shell, everything else looks pretty accurate.

AirPods 3 counterfeit products. pic.twitter.com/QGGtGti3pB

— DuanRui (@duanrui1205) April 8, 2021

Though counterfeit products can be problematic, or even dangerous, it is nice to see how AirPods 3 will look outside of CAD renders and mockups. Please note that if you see AirPods 3 for sale before Apple’s official release, you will be wasting your money on a counterfeit product.

As per previous reports, we know that Apple will launch new entry-level AirPods with a similar shape and design to AirPods Pro in the first half of 2021. Apple will be switching to chip packaging technology for the new earbuds which could bring advanced features enjoyed by owners of the AirPods Pro to other users at a more affordable price point.

This technology could improve battery life, sound quality, and even improve Siri integration. However, since the noise cancellation feature has been reserved for the more expensive AirPods variant, it is unlikely that Apple will bring this feature to the cheaper AirPods 3.

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