Apple today announced AirPods Pro 3, the latest generation of its best-selling wireless earbuds. The new model introduces a redesigned fit, significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), heart rate monitoring, expanded workout tracking, and an all-new Live Translation feature powered by Apple Intelligence.
According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 3 remove up to twice as much noise as the previous generation and four times more than the original model, setting what the company calls “the world’s best ANC in any in-ear wireless headphones.” The earbuds also offer up to eight hours of playback with ANC enabled — a 33 percent boost in battery life compared to their predecessor.
With AirPods Pro 3, the most popular headphones take a massive leap forward, providing fantastic sound quality and the world’s best ANC of any in-ear wireless headphones. Combined with an improved fit, heart rate sensing, extended battery life, and Live Translation, AirPods Pro 3 take personal audio to the next level.
– John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering
Redesigned Fit and Acoustic Architecture
Apple says it drew on over 10,000 ear scans and 100,000 hours of user research to refine the AirPods Pro 3 design. The earbuds are smaller, feature new foam-infused ear tips available in five sizes — including a new XXS option — and are certified IP57 for water and sweat resistance.
Inside, a new multiport acoustic architecture works with Adaptive EQ to deliver improved bass response, a wider soundstage, and clearer vocals across music, video, and calls.
Fitness-Ready With Heart Rate Sensing
In a first for AirPods, the Pro 3 includes a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that uses infrared light to measure heart rate during exercise. Integrated with the Fitness app, users can track over 50 workout types, measure calories burned, and even close Apple Watch-style Move rings directly from their iPhone.
The new Workout Buddy feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, provides real-time motivational insights based on heart rate, movement, and fitness history. For Apple Fitness+ subscribers, workout metrics such as heart rate and calories burned will also appear in real time on screen.
Live Translation
One of the standout new features is Live Translation, designed to break down language barriers in real-time conversations. Initially launching in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, the feature will expand later this year to include Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
When both parties are using AirPods with Live Translation, conversations can flow naturally, with the earbuds automatically lowering surrounding noise to prioritize translated speech. For conversations where only one person has AirPods, iPhone can display transcriptions and translations on screen.
Hearing Health and Accessibility
AirPods Pro 3 continue Apple’s focus on hearing health with expanded features such as automatic Conversation Boost, improved Hearing Test tools, and regional certification for Hearing Protection in the EU and UK. Battery life has also improved across modes, with up to 10 hours in Transparency mode — a 67 percent increase over the previous generation.
Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio Technology | – Custom high-excursion Apple driver – Custom high dynamic range amplifier – Active Noise Cancellation – Adaptive Audio – Transparency mode – Conversation Awareness – Voice Isolation – Personalized Volume – Loud Sound Reduction – Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking – Adaptive EQ – Studio-quality audio recording – Vent system for pressure equalization |
| Sensors | – Dual beamforming microphones – Inward-facing microphone – Skin-detect sensor – Motion-detecting accelerometer – Speech-detecting accelerometer – Heart rate sensor for workouts – Touch control |
| Chip | – Apple H2 headphone chip – Apple U2 chip in MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) |
| Durability | Dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP57): AirPods Pro and charging case |
| Size & Weight (AirPods Pro 3 each) | – Height: 1.22 in (30.9 mm) – Width: 0.76 in (19.2 mm) – Depth: 1.06 in (27.0 mm) – Weight: 0.20 oz (5.55 g) |
| Size & Weight (Charging Case) | – Height: 1.86 in (47.2 mm) – Width: 2.45 in (62.2 mm) – Depth: 0.86 in (21.8 mm) – Weight: 1.55 oz (43.99 g) |
| Charging Case | – Works with MagSafe charger, Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified chargers, or USB-C connector – Includes speaker for Find My |
| Battery (AirPods Pro 3) | – Up to 8 hrs listening with ANC enabled (7.5 hrs with Spatial Audio + Head Tracking) – Up to 6.5 hrs listening with heart rate sensing during workouts – Up to 10 hrs listening in Transparency with Hearing Aid feature |
| Battery (AirPods Pro 3 + MagSafe Charging Case) | – Up to 24 hrs listening with ANC enabled – 5 minutes in case = ~1 hr listening |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology |
| In the Box | – AirPods Pro 3 – MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker + lanyard loop – Silicone ear tips (5 sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L) – Documentation – USB-C Charge Cable (sold separately) |
Pricing and Availability
AirPods Pro 3 are available for pre-order starting today in more than 50 countries, with retail availability beginning September 19. Pricing starts at $249.
New buyers may also receive three months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ with purchase. AppleCare+ and AppleCare One will be available for extended coverage, including protection against accidental damage, theft, and battery replacement.
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