Apple 'Unleashed' event confirmed for 18th October, AirPods 3 tipped to launch

Invite to Apple 18th October 2021 event, titled 'Unleashed'
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple has confirmed an event for Monday 18th October, during which it could finally unveil new AirPods 3 wireless earbuds alongside new MacBook laptops.

The digital-only event takes place at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park, California, starting at 6pm BST / 1pm ET / 10am PT / 3am AEST. You can watch a live stream at apple.com or via the Apple TV app.

The announcement came in the form of a tweet from Apple marketing senior vice president Greg Joswiak (below). The tagline is 'Unleashed, which is thought to be a nod to the arrival of Apple's fastest-ever MacBook Pro.

Fingers crossed the long-rumoured AirPods 3 will finally make their official debut, too. The buds are expected to share some similarities with the AirPods Pro, only without the silicone tips. Rumour has it they won't feature noise cancelling technology so it's likely they'll actually be cheaper than the Pro model.

There's also a slight chance we could see the AirPods Pro 2 break cover, but they'll more than likely be saved for a future Apple event.

If you'd like to know more about what might appear at Apple's 18th October 'Unleashed' event, check out our AirPods 3  and AirPods Pro 2 hub pages, where you can find all of the leaks, rumours and latest news.

MORE:

Save big with this week's best headphones deals

Read our iPhone 13 review

Our pick of the best AirPods alternatives

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test

Latest in Smartphones & Tablets
iPhone 16e in black and white on a white background
iPhone 16e vs Sony Xperia 10 VI: what are the differences?
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e's downgrades are in all the right places if, like me, movies on the move are your priority
iPhone 16e on white background
Apple officially unveils the affordable iPhone 16e complete with an OLED display and Dolby Atmos support
iPhone 16e on white background screen
The iPhone 16e could be a fantastic music player – but we have some big questions
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: what's the difference, and which one should you buy?
Apple
iPhone SE 4: release date rumours, screen speculation, design hearsay and more
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever