Apple's AirPods 3 look similar to the AirPods Pro and have the same design, but may lack the active noise canceling features of Apple's most expensive headphones.

This means that Apple will offer the next generation AirPods at a lower price than the Pro variant, according to sources cited in a report by Taiwanese website DigiTimes. The report states that the AirPods 3 were originally scheduled to launch in May, but supply chain sources say Apple may delay the launch.

"According to relevant supplier sources, Apple may be forced to delay the launch of the new AirPods Pro to late 2020 or even 2021," MacRumors noted.

"Apple originally planned to launch the new AirPods Pro in May 2020, but the schedule may be pushed back due to a coronavirus outbreak that prevented the company from sending staff to its Asian production line to inspect the status of the TWS earphones." The report continued.

It is worth noting that while the report refers to the "new AirPods Pro," these are likely to be third-generation AirPods, as Apple's AirPods Pro have only been on the market for six months. And AirPods 3 was due in May, according to all previous leaks.

Once again, the coronavirus outbreak appears to be causing problems with technical production, but Apple has not officially stated whether it will change its plans. It is still quite possible that Apple will use local product testers to validate the AirPods 3 instead of sending its own staff from Cupertino, where they are likely not allowed to travel due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Apple appears to be doing this with Chinese suppliers in the production of the iPhone 12.

As for the AirPods 3 design, it would be wise to adopt the look of the AirPods Pro, which has a much cleaner look than the past two generations of regular AirPods with their rather long microphone stems.

It is not much of a surprise that the next generation AirPods will not feature active noise cancellation.

However, Sony's WF-1000xM3 wireless earbuds sell for as low as $199, which means that for less than the $249 AirPods Pro, you can get headphones with top-notch active noise cancellation. Therefore, there is a slight chance that Apple will implement some sort of noise-canceling (or noise-isolation) technology in the AirPods 3 to keep them competitive.