The AirPods 3 will look like the AirPods Pro and may offer access to some of the best features of Apple's premium wireless headphones.

According to a research note obtained by MacRumors, TF International Securities analyst and all-around Apple oracle Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's next-generation standard AirPods will look like the AirPods Pro He predicts that Apple will adopt a similar compact system-in-package (SIP) design. In doing so, the AirPods 3 should have a more compact design.

One of the more controversial aspects of the current AirPods 2 is its long stem. The earphone's stem holds a piece of electronics and a microphone so that the second-generation AirPods can provide adequate sound quality during hands-free calls. However, it may seem a bit ostentatious.

The AirPods Pro dramatically shortens the stem of each earpiece without compromising sound quality, helping to make the headphones look more attractive. This is all thanks to the SIP design, where Apple included a custom H1 chip in the headphones to handle audio and Siri voice commands and provide active noise cancellation.

SIP in the AirPods 3 could make the headphones more Pro-like in design and functionality; Kuo has previously stated that SIP is necessary for Apple to evolve the design of the AirPods, and it is likely that the Pixel Buds 2 and Sony WF- 1000XM3, which are definitely starting to look a bit dated when compared to other wireless earbuds like the Pixel Buds 2 and Sony WF- 1000XM3. [But if the AirPods 3 comes close to the AirPods Pro, Apple will need to find a way to make its next Pro earphones stand out from the standard ones.

Apple could upgrade the AirPods Pro or focus on developing the AirPods Studio, the over-ear headphones that were expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2020 but unfortunately were not.

Apple's fall launch of the AirPods 3 along with the iPhone 12 (no EarPods included) and Apple Watch 6 is well-timed, but Kuo expects the AirPods 3 to appear in the first half of 2021, with a price point of under $200. It is likely that the AirPods 3 will replace the AirPods 2 in stores as well.