In the future, AirPods might boast a unique feature that will appeal greatly to vinyl enthusiasts.
In the world of technology, rumors and patents often swirl around upcoming products, and Apple's AirPods Pro 3 is no exception. While the AirPods Pro 3 is rumored to launch before the end of the year, one of the most intriguing features — a touchscreen case that can wirelessly connect to a record player — remains a concept based on a recently published Apple patent.
The patent, filed in 2023, describes a pair of AirPods with a touchscreen case that can function as a wireless audio transmitter. This innovative design includes a large square touchscreen on the front, usable with fingers or an Apple Pencil. The case, when plugged into a turntable, would beam the audio wirelessly to the AirPods. The patent also mentions sound-mixing and control options via the touchscreen.
However, it's important to note that this futuristic touchscreen case with wireless record player connectivity is described in the context of a patent filed and published in 2023–2025. This suggests that Apple is exploring future possibilities rather than announcing imminent product features.
Current AirPods Pro 3 rumors highlight a touchscreen on the charging case primarily as a remote music control, with no definite release of the record player connectivity function. Other rumored features for AirPods Pro 3 include Bluetooth 5.4 for lower audio latency, improved active noise cancellation, and true lossless audio. However, none of these official leaks confirm the touchscreen case with turntable connection as a shipping feature.
Google Chromecast Audio, a well-known example of wireless audio senders and receivers, paved the way for making traditional speakers 'smart' by adding wireless playback. Similarly, some earbuds manufacturers, such as JBL, have attempted to enhance case functionality. The patent's concept of two AirPods cases being tapped together to initiate audio sharing or syncing is reminiscent of the five-star Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, suggesting that such functionality could come to AirPods in the future.
In the meantime, Apple has already invented a 'super premium' category in the wireless headphone market with the AirPods Max. As we await the launch of the AirPods Pro 3, the patent for a touchscreen case with wireless functionality serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the potential future of Apple's audio products.
[1] Apple Insider: Apple files patent for AirPods case with large touchscreen and wireless audio transmitter [2] 9to5Mac: AirPods Pro 3 may finally get touch controls on the charging case [3] MacRumors: AirPods Pro 3 May Feature Touch-Sensitive Controls on Charging Case [4] Patently Apple: Apple's AirPods Case Patent Includes a Touchscreen and Wireless Audio Transmitter [5] The Verge: Apple's AirPods Pro 3 may have Bluetooth 5.4, lossless audio, and better noise cancellation
- The patent for a touchscreen case with wireless audio transmitter on Apple's AirPods Pro 3 suggests a potential future for the company's audio products.
- Some earbuds manufacturers, like JBL, have tried to enhance case functionality, offering hints to what may come for AirPods.
- The concept of two AirPods cases tapping together to initiate audio sharing or syncing resembles the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, indicating a possibility for AirPods in the future.
- The AirPods Max have already catapulted Apple into a 'super premium' category of wireless headphones.
- The AirPods Pro 3 might feature touch controls on the charging case, according to current rumors.
- Google Chromecast Audio set the stage for making traditional speakers 'smart' by adding wireless playback, serving as a predecessor to the patent idea.
- The patent published in 2023-2025 hints at Apple exploring futuristic possibilities, rather than announcing imminent product features such as the record player connectivity.
- News sources like Apple Insider, 9to5Mac, MacRumors, Patently Apple, and The Verge have reported on various aspects of the AirPods Pro 3, including potential features such as improved active noise cancellation and lower audio latency, but not definitively confirming the touchscreen case with turntable connection as a shipping feature.
