AirPods (3rd generation): release date, model numbers and price
Apple released the AirPods (3rd generation) on October 18, 2021, 5 years ago at $179. Apple stopped selling it on September 20, 2024. Refurbished, it costs from $72 today, 60% below launch.
Updated October 31, 2026. Release date and launch price from Apple. Refurbished prices checked daily at Mac of All Trades, Amazon, Back Market, Gazelle, Apple Store, and eBay.
- Released
- October 18, 2021 5 years ago
- Launch price
- $179
- Discontinued
- September 20, 2024 1068 days on sale
- First refurbished
- November 23, 2021 Back Market, 37 days after launch
Where to buy a refurbished AirPods (3rd generation)
Every refurbisher that has sold the AirPods (3rd generation), cheapest today first. Listings counts the offers each one has live, one per version and grade, not how many devices it holds.
| Refurbisher | Cheapest today | Offers |
|---|---|---|
 eBay 1 listing | $72 | See offers |
 Amazon 1 listing | $99 | See offers |
 Back Market 0 listings | Sold out | Get an alert |
 Apple Store 0 listings | Sold out | Get an alert |
The AirPods (3rd generation) so far
Launched 5 years ago.
$179 at launch First refurbishedNov 23, 2021
Back Market, after 37 days At Apple Certified RefurbishedAug 4, 2023
656 days after launch DiscontinuedSep 20, 2024
1068 days on sale TodayOct 31, 2026
from $72, 60% below launch
- Released, Oct 18, 2021$179 at launch
- First refurbished, Nov 23, 2021Back Market, after 37 days
- At Apple Certified Refurbished, Aug 4, 2023656 days after launch
- Discontinued, Sep 20, 20241068 days on sale
- Today, Oct 31, 2026from $72, 60% below launch
Every AirPods (3rd generation) part number
1 part number in the US. You'll find it on the back of the box and in the device's settings, next to the model number.
| Part number | Model | Version | Today |
|---|---|---|---|
MME73 | $72 |
AirPods (3rd generation) questions
When did the AirPods (3rd generation) come out?
Apple released the AirPods (3rd generation) on October 18, 2021, 5 years ago at $179.
How much did the AirPods (3rd generation) cost at launch?
$179 for the base model. Refurbished, it costs from $72 today.
When was the AirPods (3rd generation) discontinued?
Apple stopped selling it on September 20, 2024. Refurbishers still sell it.
How much is a refurbished AirPods (3rd generation)?
From $72 today. The lowest price RefurbMe has seen is $49.
How we get these numbers
Release dates, launch prices and model numbers come from Apple. Every day RefurbMe checks the stock and prices of Mac of All Trades, Amazon, Back Market, Gazelle, Apple Store, and eBay and keeps every price it sees, which is where the lowest price seen comes from. The cheapest price today is the lowest in stock at our last check; it can change between that check and your visit.
