New AirPods BANNED on millions of iPhones – can you still use them?

APPLE’S powerful new AirPods won’t work on millions of iPhones.

The souped-up Apple AirPods 3 launched last night – but certain older models of iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch will be locked out.

AppleThe new AirPods are very tempting – but make sure you can actually use them before buying a pair[/caption]

That means if you’re using an older model, buying the new AirPods is a total waste of money.

Apple’s AirPods already restricted a load of older iPhone models.

But the 3rd-generation pair has blocked even more models – at least compared to the 2nd generation.

For instance, the Apple AirPods 3 won’t work with the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 5S.

On the iPad front, you’ll no longer get support on the iPad Mini 2 and iPad Mini 3 if you’re using the new AirPods 3.

And the 6th-gen iPod Touch also won’t work with the new AirPods 3.

Any models older than this already weren’t supported by the Apple AirPods 2.

So don’t expect to use an iPhone 5 or original iPad Mini either.

It’s linked to the fact that you’ll need iOS 13 or iPadOS – neither of which are available on very old Apple models.

The good news is that you can still buy a pair of 2nd-generation AirPods if you’re still using an older model.

AirPod makeover

The new earbuds have a longer battery life and Spatial Audio for a better listening experience.

Apple promised more control of your music and phone calls with improved sensors.

It said the 3rd Generation AirPods can provide a powerful base and “crisp, clean, high frequencies”.

The AirPods are sweat and water resistant.

They’ve also got a new contour design that “delivers sound directly to your ears” – whatever that means.

Sound should be customised for you in real time so you can listen to music as it was intended to be heard.

There’s also a one touch setup, which will automatically pair your AirPods to other devices.

Battery life has increased to six hours.

The case will give you an additional four full charges.

MagSafe and wireless charging have been added to the case.

You can order the new AirPods on the Apple website today and they will be avaliable in store on October 26.

They’re priced at $179/£169.

What is Spatial Audio?

Spatial Audio is what Apple calls its AirPods’ immersive sound feature.

It works by using sensors and directional audio to track where your head is in relation to the device you’re listening to the content on.

It essentially creates an immersive sound experience.

This is good when you’re watching a film or TV as you can sense the direction of the sound as if you were in the film or TV series yourself.

To take advantage of Spatial Audio on AirPods when watching TV you’ll need to watch content from a platform which supports it.

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