Apple has officially announced AirPods Pro 3, the latest version of its best selling wireless earbuds. On paper, this is the most advanced model yet. The company has packed in new health features, stronger active noise cancellation, and even live translation powered by Apple Intelligence. The buds also promise better fit, longer battery life, and a lighter design.
Apple claims the redesigned noise cancellation blocks twice as much background sound as AirPods Pro 2 and four times more than the original model. A new acoustic system, microphones with lower noise, and foam infused ear tips all help boost performance. Apple also says the internal shape has been overhauled so the buds sit more comfortably and securely, while still shrinking in size. There are now five ear tip options, including an XXS, which should help with fit for people who always found earlier AirPods too loose.
The workout crowd gets some new tricks too. AirPods Pro 3 are the first to include a heart rate sensor, which works alongside iPhone to log workout data. That includes calories burned and progress toward Apple Fitness goals. There’s even a new feature called Workout Buddy, which pulls from fitness history and offers encouragement mid session. Apple clearly wants these earbuds to play a larger role in health tracking, not just music.
Another major change is Live Translation. Users can now wear the earbuds and carry on a conversation with someone who speaks another language, with translations spoken directly in the ear. iPhone can also display live transcripts for situations where only one person has AirPods. Apple is starting with English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with more languages set to roll out later this year.
Battery life is improved as well. Apple says AirPods Pro 3 last up to eight hours on a charge with noise cancellation enabled, or ten hours in Transparency mode. Hearing health tools get a boost too, with improved hearing tests and automatic Conversation Boost for those who struggle to follow dialogue in noisy spaces.
Of course, Apple hasn’t forgotten its environmental message. The new model uses recycled materials, including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery, and packaging that is now fiber based.
AirPods Pro 3 are available to preorder now for $249, with general availability starting September 19.
I have to admit, these new AirPods Pro 3 look cool. The features are impressive, and Apple has clearly put thought into fitness and communication. But at the end of the day, they are still earbuds. Personally, I can’t stand putting anything in my ear canals, so no matter how advanced they get, this kind of design is never going to work for me.
