Apple's AirPods 3 appears to copy the in-ear design of the AirPods Pro, but could result in a much higher price.

This is according to The Elec's sources, who claim that the AirPods 3 will be 20% cheaper than the AirPods Pro and lack the latter's active noise canceling technology. That would put the AirPods 3 at $199 at launch, a significant price increase from the current AirPods 2's $159. [In the case of the AirPods Max in particular, it is several hundred dollars more than rival over-the-ear headphones like the Bose 700. What is unusual this time is that unlike the AirPods Max, the standard AirPods are meant to be the closest thing to an "entry-level" option, so bumping up the price could be a risky move.

The report also seems to reaffirm that the next AirPods will feature the more stylish, practical, and comfortable design of the AirPods Pro. AirPods 3, or AirPods Pro Lite as it may be named, will feature ANC and Spatial Audio, but it still does not appear to include high-end features such as ANC or Spatial Audio.

This is contrary to other rumors we have heard recently that the AirPods 3 will feature active noise cancellation and a "contextual audio system" that can detect potential dangers and lower or mute the audio in either earpiece depending on the proximity of the threat This is said to be the case. However, it is possible that the AirPods 3 will be a separate product from the AirPods Pro Lite.

Elsewhere, the report points to a release date in early 2021, which is consistent with earlier leaks that suggested the AirPods 3 would launch on March 21. The report also noted that the AirPods 3 will again use the H1 chip, a small audio processor that Apple has used in the past in the AirPods 2, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

We will have to wait a few months to see if these rumors come to fruition. But so far, the AirPods 3 could be a contender for the best wireless earbuds list, provided it balances audio features with a high price.