The AirPods Pro 3 bring Apple's popular headphone line into the next generation. Compared to the AirPods Pro 2, it's immediately noticeable that not only minor details have been revised, but several significant innovations have been integrated. There have been significant advances, especially in terms of sound, noise cancellation, and fitness features.
With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple demonstrates that wireless in-ear headphones can do much more than just play music. Eight new features set them apart from their predecessors. The new earbuds are already available for pre-order and will be released on September 19th.
2× stronger active noise cancellation
The AirPods Pro 3 feature the most powerful active noise cancellation Apple has ever built into an in-ear earbud. It's twice as effective as the AirPods Pro 2 and four times as powerful as the first generation, almost completely blocking out ambient noise.
Improved sound quality
The new acoustic architecture with next-generation Adaptive EQ delivers noticeable improvements in the soundstage. Bass sounds more powerful, the soundstage is wider, and higher-frequency voices are clearer and more vibrant. This is noticeable not only in music, but also in TV shows, movies, and phone calls.
Longer battery life per charge
With noise cancellation enabled, the AirPods Pro 3 last up to eight hours. That's two hours longer than their predecessor. The charging case provides an additional 24 hours of listening time. This makes the total usage time slightly less than the 30 hours of the AirPods Pro 2, but the longer individual battery life is beneficial for everyday use.
heart rate monitoring during training
A built-in heart rate sensor transforms the AirPods Pro 3 into a fitness companion. Infrared light detects your heart rate, allowing for more accurate workout tracking. Calorie consumption, activity rings, and awards for more than 50 workout types appear directly in the Fitness app on your iPhone. An Apple Watch is no longer necessary.
Improved fit
Apple describes the AirPods Pro 3 as the most secure and well-fitting AirPods yet. The earbuds are slightly smaller, and the outer design of the ear tips has been redesigned for greater stability. Additionally, there are foam-filled ear tips that provide a better fit.
Improved water resistance
The protection rating increases from IP54 to IP57. This makes the AirPods Pro 3 more sweat- and water-resistant than previous models. By definition, IP57 means they can be submerged in water up to one meter deep for a short time. However, Apple emphasizes that they can easily withstand workouts and rain.
U2 chip in the charging case
The charging case contains the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. This allows the AirPods Pro 3 to be located more precisely in the "Find My" app. This makes it much easier to find them if they get misplaced.
New XXS eartip option
In addition to the existing sizes XS, S, M, and L, there are now also XXS earplugs. These feature additional foam, which provides better passive noise isolation. This is a useful upgrade, especially for smaller ears.
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Important NOTE
The AirPods Pro 3 do not come with a charging cable. If you don't already have one, you'll need to purchase one separately.
AirPods Pro 3: A complete package with eight major innovations
The AirPods Pro 3 feature eight key innovations, setting new standards in wireless in-ear headphones. Stronger noise cancellation, improved sound, longer battery life, and the integration of heart rate monitoring make them more versatile than ever. Complemented by an optimized fit, increased water resistance, a more precise tracking system, and new eartip sizes, they deliver a well-rounded package. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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Frequently asked questions about AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 are now available for pre-order and will officially launch on September 19, 2025.
The AirPods Pro 3 offer a total of eight key innovations: double noise cancellation, improved sound quality, longer battery life per charge, heart rate monitoring, optimized fit, higher water resistance (IP57), the new U2 chip for precise tracking, and additional XXS-sized ear tips.
Active noise cancellation is twice as strong as the AirPods Pro 2 and four times stronger than the first generation. This makes the AirPods Pro 3 among the leading in-ear headphones in terms of ANC.
With active noise cancellation turned on, the AirPods Pro 3 offer up to 8 hours of continuous listening time. The charging case extends this to a total of 24 hours.
Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 have a heart rate sensor that evaluates data directly via the Fitness app on your iPhone. This allows you to track your heart rate, calorie consumption, and workout progress without the Apple Watch.
The AirPods Pro 3 are IP57 certified. This means they are sweat and water resistant and can withstand rain or brief immersion in water up to one meter deep.
The AirPods Pro 3 charging case contains the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. This allows the earbuds to be located with extreme precision using the Find My app if they are misplaced or lost.
In addition to the familiar sizes XS, S, M, and L, there are now also XXS earplugs. These are additionally equipped with foam, which provides greater comfort and better passive noise isolation.