Apple AirPods Pro 3 – what is known so far
Although Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are more than two years old, they still dominate the premium wireless earbuds segment. The secret to their success is their blend of top-notch sound, excellent noise cancellation, and Apple’s habit of delivering important new features through software updates. Accordingly, the hurdles for the AirPods Pro 3, scheduled for release this year, are high.
Aside from their sonic strengths, the continued popularity of the AirPods Pro 2 owes much to Apple’s ongoing feature rollouts. iOS 17 (2023) introduced Adaptive Audio, mute controls, and faster device switching. iOS 18 (2024) followed with head gesture Siri commands, voice isolation, finer Adaptive Audio sliders, and a personalized spatial audio mode for gamers. iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 introduced the first hearing aid features in supported regions for over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Apple AirPods Pro 3: New Design and Health Features
Design and Case Improvements
All credible reports agree that the AirPods Pro 3 will inherit today’s software features, but hardware refinements are also expected. Several supply chain sources point to an updated look for both the earbuds and the case, with rumors of a slimmer form factor, a hidden status LED, and a front-facing capacitive pairing button. Apple already introduced the latter with the AirPods 4 and 4 ANC.
Audio Processor and ANC Upgrades
Under the hood, Apple is reportedly testing a faster audio chip that will enable “much better” active noise cancellation than the already impressive AirPods Pro 2. This edge will be crucial if Apple wants to keep competitors like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra at bay.
Health Sensors: Heart Rate Monitoring
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is developing in-ear heart rate tracking for the AirPods Pro 3. The company’s current Powerbeats Pro 2 already captures heart rate data during workouts. In addition to biometric tracking, however, Apple will also need to achieve seamless audio playback if the AirPods Pro 3 are to be a success with fitness-oriented users.
In-Ear Temperature Detection
Apple is also researching ear canal temperature measurement, which, if implemented, could provide faster and more reliable body temperature measurements than the skin temperature estimates provided by Apple Watch Series 8 and later. Whether the sensor will be ready for production in time for a 2025 release is not yet clear.
Live On-Device Translation
According to a rumor, the AirPods Pro 3 will also work with the iPhone’s Translate app to provide real-time conversation translations directly through the earbuds. Details on implementation are still sketchy, but the idea fits with Apple’s broader AI push.
AirPods with Infrared Cameras
Longer-term, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also expects Apple to develop prototype AirPods with infrared cameras to further develop 3D audio. According to Gurman, Apple is also developing small cameras for AI functions. The infrared cameras could potentially also enable “in-air gesture control” and enable device interaction with hand gestures. Both projects are said to be high priorities for Apple, but neither is expected to reach market before 2026, thus ruling out the AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods 4 as a prototype
The fourth-generation AirPods offer useful clues to Apple’s design plans for the AirPods Pro 3. Apple has replaced the rear setup button with a hidden capacitive sensor beneath the status light on the front of the case. The LED itself now disappears when inactive. These hidden details resulted in Apple’s smallest and lightest charging case yet, and it’s hard to imagine the company not extending them to the Pro models as well.
Release date
Gurman’s latest prediction suggests that the Apple AirPods Pro 3 will launch later this year. In the past, Apple has liked to pair major AirPods updates with new iPhones. A September launch event alongside the iPhone 17 series is therefore a logical choice.
Conclusion
With the AirPods Pro 3 set to launch in about five months, if our prediction from the last paragraph proves correct, Apple device users are faced with a choice. With the AirPods 4, active noise cancellation is within reach for €199/$179, while the AirPods Pro 2 continue to impress with premium sound, proven ANC, and the new Hearing Aid Mode. But if heart rate tracking, live translation, and even better ANC sound appealing, the AirPods Pro 3 promise the biggest leap since the original Pros. And potentially without even increasing the €279/$249 price tag.
