# Adaptively Designed Wireless Earbuds The Third-Generation Apple AirPods Feature Spatial Audio By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2021-10-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-airpods References: [apple](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpods/) & [apple](https://www.apple.com)  The third-[generation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beats-studio-pro) [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-airpods-pro) [AirPods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airpods-pro-3) are the redesign of the brand's namesake wireless earbuds that are focused on providing users with access to premium audio in a compact form factor. The earbuds debut redesign that makes them more compact and more ergonomic for placement in the ear canal, while spatial audio and Adaptive EQ ensure audio sounds how it should for every user. The headphones have an IPX4 rating for both the earbuds and the accompanying charging case to make them well-suited for use in the rain or when working out. The third-generation Apple AirPods are paired with a new skin-detect sensor to discern whether they're in the ear or out, while battery life is rated at six-hours per charge and up to 30-hours total with the charging case. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Adaptively Designed Earbuds:** Apple AirPods feature a redesign for a more compact and ergonomic fit, introducing disruptive innovation opportunities in the wireless audio devices market. - **Spatial Audio:** AirPods use spatial audio and Adaptive EQ to ensure a premium audio experience, creating disruptive innovation in the audio technology industry. - **IPX4 Rating:** Wireless earbuds with an IPX4 rating, designed for workouts and use in wet conditions, may disrupt the market for waterproof audio devices. ### Who This Affects Most - **Wireless Audio Devices:** The adaptively designed AirPods and their features offer innovation opportunities for businesses in the wireless audio devices market. - **Audio Technology:** Spatial audio and Adaptive EQ technology, employed in AirPods, open innovation possibilities for the audio technology industry. - **Waterproof Audio Devices:** AirPods with IPX4 rating may disrupt the waterproof audio devices market, opening innovation opportunities in this industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Personalized Audio Performance Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-airpods-pro.md) - [Heart Rate-Tracking Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airpods-pro-3.md) - [Immersive Open-Ear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airpods-4.md) - [Dynamic Spatial Audio Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-buds3-fe.md) - [360-Degree Sound Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xiaomi-buds-3t-pro.md) - [Durable Performance-Driven Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sennheiser-momentum-true-wireless-3-earbuds.md) - [Wireless AI-Adaptive Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wf1000xm5-earbud.md) - [Customizable Noise Reduction Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anker-soundcore-liberty-3-pro.md) - [Streamlined Sleek Wireless EarBuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quietcomfort-earbuds-ii.md)