Affiliate Disclosure
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy.

Rumor: 'AirPods 3' to launch alongside 'Apple Music HiFi' on May 18

Last updated

A highly suspect rumor claims Apple is set to unveil a revamped entry-level AirPods product on May 18, and a lossless Apple Music streaming tier could be in tow.

Without citing sources, YouTuber Luke Miani in a tweet on Thursday claims Apple's third-generation AirPods will debut next Tuesday. In a statement to AppleTrack, he added that the earbuds could launch alongside a so-called "Apple Music HiFi" service. Both products will reportedly be announced in a press release.

Miani has no track record in predicting Apple releases, though his YouTube channel does cover the company and rumors surrounding future products. AppleTrack previously nailed AirPods Max's launch date a day before the headphones were revealed.

Rumblings that Apple will soon debut a next-generation AirPods device, tentatively dubbed AirPods 3, have grown to a low din in recent weeks.

Industry analysts began to offer tidbits of information regarding the upcoming AirPods model nearly a year ago and parts leaks of the rumored device have been floating around the web since December. Images of supposedly leaked AirPods 3 chassis and charging case parts surfaced online in March and April, revealing a design that borrows heavily from Apple's AirPods Pro.

As for the new Apple Music tier, a report earlier in May claimed a lossless streaming option would arrive within weeks. Targeting similar offerings from Spotify and Tidal, the high-fidelity Apple Music service is rumored to cost $9.99 per month.

Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.



31 Comments

pumpkin_king 5 Years · 34 comments

Hoping the hi-fi rumor is true.

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes
Beats 5 Years · 3073 comments

I wish Apple had music events for these announcements. With Beats and musicians.

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
bestkeptsecret 14 Years · 4294 comments

The HomePod is an ideal candidate for Apple Music HiFi, or whatever the streaming service will be called. 
I hope Apple releases something to replace it. Once you've listened on the HomePod, the Mini is not an option.  

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
fred1 12 Years · 1147 comments

No track record (for a few more days) is better than a bad track record, like Prosser. 

thedba 13 Years · 798 comments

The HomePod is an ideal candidate for Apple Music HiFi, or whatever the streaming service will be called. 
I hope Apple releases something to replace it. Once you've listened on the HomePod, the Mini is not an option.  

I beg to differ.
I recently downloaded a classical piece and did stream it to my HomePod. 

It was in Apple lossless format.
I had also converted it to AAC to put on my iPhone and streamed back to HomePod as well. 
Absolutely no difference whatsoever. 

Point is in order to get the most out of lossless music you need specialized DACs, preamp/amp setups with dedicated speakers and a very quiet listening room in your house. Maybe then, some can actually “hear” the difference. 
Gone are the days of 64 bit MP3s downloaded from Napster/Kazaa et al. Today’s 256 bit AAC is pretty damned good.