Apple’s AirPods Pro have long been a favorite among music lovers and tech fans. With AirPods Pro 2 still holding strong in the market, excitement is building around the next-gen AirPods Pro 3. Expected to launch in 2025, these earbuds could offer bold new features—like health tracking, better audio, and even a touchscreen case.
Let’s examine everything we know so far about the AirPods Pro 3, including potential specs, a release timeline, pricing, and more.
When is the AirPods Pro 3 coming out?
Apple hasn’t made anything official yet, but multiple sources suggest the AirPods Pro 3 could debut in September 2025, possibly alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Leaker Kosutami points to an earlier timeline—May or June—but a fall release seems more in line with Apple’s typical strategy.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman supports this, noting that the AirPods Pro 3 with heart-rate monitoring is “months away,” reinforcing the fall 2025 expectation.
AirPods Pro 3 may debut a new design and touchscreen case
The AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to get a sleek refresh. Expect a more compact design for both the earbuds and case. Borrowing cues from the AirPods 4, Apple may replace the physical pairing button with a capacitive touch button.
One exciting rumor is that the charging case will have a touchscreen display. This could let you control music, volume, and more without touching your phone. Apple filed a patent for this feature in 2022, making it a real possibility for this year’s model. There might even be two case versions, similar to the AirPods 4.
Powered by Apple’s new H3 chip
At the core of AirPods Pro 3 could be the H3 chip, offering major upgrades over the H2. It’s expected to:
- Enhance noise cancellation.
- Reduce latency for gaming and video.
- Support lossless audio.
- Improve power efficiency for longer battery life.
Apple may also add a U2 chip to the case for stronger Find My tracking and better connectivity, similar to those found in the latest iPhones and AirTags.
Better sound and Digital ANC
Audio is another area getting attention. The H3 chip should offer richer audio with improved Adaptive EQ, customizing sound based on your ear and surroundings.
Also, expect Digital Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), based on leaks from Kosutami. That means even less background noise and crisper audio—ideal for calls, travel, or noisy environments.
The new AirPods Pro is coming—perform with Digital ANC that much better than previous version.
— Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) August 27, 2024
Built-in heart rate sensors
One of the most talked-about upgrades is heart rate tracking. According to Mark Gurman, this feature is in the works and could debut with the AirPods Pro 3.
Apple’s internal testing shows promising results, though the Apple Watch still offers more reliable health data. Still, this update would be huge for those who want fitness insights without wearing a smartwatch.
In-ear temperature detection
Another health-focused rumor is that in-ear temperature monitoring could deliver faster and potentially more accurate readings than Apple Watch’s skin-based sensors.
If it makes it into the final model, this feature could help track fevers or workout intensity more precisely.
On-device live translation
This feature could be revolutionary: real-time, on-device language translation. Bloomberg reports that AirPods Pro 3 may integrate with iOS 19‘s Translate app, enabling real-time translation through your earbuds.
Imagine having a conversation with someone in another language and hearing a live translation in your ear. If it works as rumored, this would be a game-changer for travel and global communication.
Longer battery life and USB-C charging
Apple is reportedly pushing battery life further—up to 8 hours on a single charge, compared to 6 hours on the AirPods Pro 2. With the case, that could stretch to 40 hours total playback.
Expect USB-C charging by default, MagSafe compatibility, and wireless charging support.
Wishlist: What we hope Apple includes
Here are some features we’d love to see in AirPods Pro 3:
- A Bluetooth transmitter in the case for use on flights and other non-Apple devices.
- More ear tip sizes or better design for all-day comfort.
- New color options beyond white (hello, black or space gray!).
- Improved Android support, making it more flexible for non-Apple users.
Expected price of AirPods Pro 3
Apple is likely to keep the AirPods Pro 3 at the familiar $249 price point. However, if the touchscreen case or advanced sensors are included, a small price bump could happen.
Still, Apple typically tries to maintain consistent pricing with its AirPods Pro line, so expect only minor changes—if any.
Signing off
With expected upgrades like heart rate sensors, temperature detection, lossless audio, and even live translation, the AirPods Pro 3 could be Apple’s smartest and most health-focused earbuds yet.
What feature are you most excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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