Apple has officially launched the AirPods Pro 3, introducing significant upgrades in both sound performance and health tracking. The release, announced during Apple’s September event, marks three years since the AirPods Pro 2 made their debut.
Stronger Active Noise Cancellation
The standout feature is a dramatic improvement to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Apple claims the new model is four times more effective than the original Pro series, and twice as powerful as the AirPods Pro 2. This leap is supported by redesigned foam-infused ear tips in five sizes, offering a more secure fit across a wider range of ear shapes. A fresh multiport acoustic design also enhances airflow, delivering richer bass and a broader soundstage.
Transparency mode now adjusts more naturally to the user’s voice and even adapts when others speak nearby, making conversations smoother without removing the earbuds.
Fitness Tracking Without the Watch
Perhaps the boldest change is the inclusion of heart rate monitoring. Using a custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that measures blood flow 256 times per second, the AirPods Pro 3 can track pulse directly from the ear. This allows users to record heart rate and calories burned across 50 workout types, even without an Apple Watch. For Apple Fitness+ subscribers, live workout metrics appear on-screen, bringing Apple’s fitness ecosystem closer to the earbuds.
The earbuds are also IP57-rated, making them resistant to both sweat and water—an essential addition for athletes and casual exercisers alike.
Smarter Features with Apple Intelligence
Apple is extending its AI-powered tools to the AirPods Pro 3. “Workout Buddy” offers motivational insights during training, while a beta feature for live translation enables real-time communication across languages. Translations can be heard directly through the earbuds and viewed on the iPhone screen.
Pricing and Availability
Preorders for the AirPods Pro 3 opened on September 9, with the official release set for September 19. The earbuds retail for $249, with special offers available through Apple’s official partners.
With its blend of superior sound, biometric tracking, and AI-driven features, the AirPods Pro 3 represents Apple’s most ambitious step yet in merging audio technology with personal health.
