Apple has unveiled its latest in-ear headphones, the AirPods Pro 3, featuring enhanced audio architecture, heart-rate monitoring, workout integration, Live Translation capabilities, and improved battery performance.
The AirPods Pro 3 incorporate a new multiport acoustic architecture designed to enhance airflow, broaden the soundstage, deliver stronger bass, and improve vocal clarity. Adaptive EQ technology dynamically adjusts audio output in real-time to ensure balanced sound for music, shows, and calls. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is now twice as effective as that of the AirPods Pro 2 and four times stronger than the original AirPods Pro. Refinements to Transparency mode provide more natural-sounding voices, while Conversation Boost automatically activates in noisy environments.
The design of the AirPods Pro 3 has been slimmed down with a re-engineered internal architecture, resulting in smaller and more stable earbuds. Apple developed five ear-tip sizes, including a new XXS option, based on over 10,000 ear scans. The foam-infused ear tips are included to enhance passive noise isolation and improve comfort. The earbuds now feature an IP57 rating for sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for both workouts and outdoor activities.
For the first time, the AirPods Pro incorporate a custom-built heart-rate sensor. Utilizing infrared light and on-device processing, the earbuds can measure heart rate, track calories, and integrate with the Fitness app on iPhone. Users can initiate over 50 workout types, track their Move ring, and receive motivational coaching via Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence. Apple Fitness+ subscribers can also view live metrics such as heart rate and calories during workouts.
The AirPods Pro 3 support Live Translation in beta, facilitating real-time communication across languages. When paired with an iPhone, conversations are transcribed and translated in real time, with ANC reducing background noise to improve the clarity of translated voices. The feature will initially support English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese to be added later in the year.
Apple has expanded the hearing health features of the AirPods Pro 3 with automatic Conversation Boost and certified Hearing Protection in the EU and UK. The Hearing Test feature remains available for at-home hearing assessments. Battery life has been improved, with up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and up to 10 hours with Transparency mode activated, representing a 67% increase compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
The AirPods Pro 3 are manufactured using 40% recycled content, including 100% recycled cobalt in the battery and 65% recycled plastic in the case. The packaging is entirely fiber-based, and manufacturing utilizes 40% renewable electricity as part of Apple’s broader goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
The AirPods Pro 3 are available for pre-order in over 50 regions, with shipping commencing on September 19, priced at $249 in the U.S.
