Apple recently updated its wireless headphones lineup with the launch of the AirPods Pro 3. The flagship wireless earbuds have arrived after a three-year wait, succeeding the AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods Pro 3 are the second Apple-made wireless earbuds to feature a heart rate sensor after the Powerbeats Pro 2. A custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor fitted into the device emits infrared light to measure light absorption in your blood flow. However, you can't measure real-time heart rate at any time like an Apple Watch; the feature is currently limited to workout sessions only.
That said, there are a number of differences and similarities you'll find between AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and the original AirPods Pro. Let's do a quick comparison to highlight the major specification differences:
| Specifications | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 USB-C | AirPods Pro 1 MagSafe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple H2 | Apple H2 | Apple H1 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | 4x more than AirPods Pro 1 2x more than AirPods Pro 2 |
2x more than AirPods Pro 1 | ANC |
| Battery Life |
|
|
|
| Heart Rate Sensor |
|
No | No |
| Water Resistance | IP57 (Dust, sweat, water resistant) | IP54 (Dust, sweat, water resistant) | IPX4 (Sweat, water resistant) |
| Ultra Wideband (in Case) | Apple U2 chip for improved Find My | Apple U1 chip with Find My support | No UWB (but support Find My) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Sensors |
|
|
|
| Audio Features |
|
|
Transparency mode |
| Accessibility |
|
|
|
| Live Translation | With supported apps | With supported apps | Not available |
| Audio recording | Studio-quality audio recording | Studio-quality audio recording | Audio recording supported |
| Size |
|
|
|
| Weight |
|
|
|
| In the box |
|
|
|
| Launch price | $249 | $249 | $249 |
Apple markets the AirPods Pro 3 by saying that they have the world's best in-ear ANC, complemented by an updated design for better fit, smaller stem, and in-ear stability during activities like HIIT, yoga, and running.
The AirPods Pro 3 are now smaller but heavier than the Pro 2, due to the updated design. It's evident that Apple chose to fit the older H2 chip under the hood but tried to compensate by improving active noise cancellation, battery life, and other features.
Apple said it analyzed over 10,000 ear scans with more than 100,000 hours of user research to improve the in-ear fit design and reduce the size of AirPods Pro 3. They now ship with foam-infused ear tips for improved passive noise isolation and an extra "XXS" size to accommodate a wider range of ear types.
The company managed to make strides in the battery department by almost doubling it when comparing Pro 3 with Pro 1. However, it's only for the headphones. AirPods Pro 3 deliver six hours less backup than Pro 2, when comparing their total battery life. While the AirPods Pro 3 offer the same level of dust protection, they provide more durability when exposed to water.
It's worth noting that Apple has stopped selling AirPods Pro 2; however, newer features, such as Camera Remote, Live Translation, and studio-quality audio recording, are also available on AirPods Pro 2 through a software update.
You'll notice a few changes in the packaging box, which no longer ships with a USB-C charging cable, but includes an extra XXS ear tip. It's beneficial for Apple because the packaging box is now smaller, allowing for 25% more units to be shipped per trip.
Additionally, the new USB-C MagSafe case has replaced the physical pairing button with a capacitive one, and the LED indicator light has been relocated slightly upward.
AirPods Pro 3 are now available on the Apple Store and elsewhere with the same price tag of $249. You can buy them with an AppleCare+ or AppleCare One plan, depending on your needs. Apple has updated its official price calculator to reflect the repair cost estimates for the AirPods Pro 3.
Previous rumors suggest that the Cupertino giant has planned a bi-annual launch for its flagship wireless earbuds, and we might see an upgraded AirPods Pro 3 next year. You'll need the iOS 26 update on your iPhone to use new features such as Live Listen and studio-quality audio recording. The latest update for iPhone is loaded with many features across the Phone app, Camera app, and the ability to take HDR screenshots.
What do you think about AirPods Pro 3? Tell us in the comments.
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