With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple is launching a new model of its popular in-ear headphones on September 19. In addition to improvements in sound and comfort, one feature in particular stands out: improved precision tracking for the charging case. However, there is a surprising limitation: The full performance of this feature is only available with the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.
The AirPods Pro 3 are considered a significant upgrade over their predecessors. Apple has not only optimized noise cancellation and battery life, but also upgraded the charging case. Those who frequently misplace their AirPods will be pleased with the new search function, which uses ultra-wideband technology. However, although the U2 chip has been in use since the iPhone 15, Apple is limiting the improved precision search exclusively to the latest models.
Improved precision search in AirPods Pro 3
The charging case for the AirPods Pro 3 features the U2 chip, the latest generation of Apple's ultra-wideband technology, for the first time. This chip is said to increase the range for precision finding by 1.5 times. The case also features a speaker built into it, making it easier to find your AirPods—even if they're buried deep in sofa cushions. It's powered by Apple's "Find My" network, which is significantly more precise thanks to the new hardware. Compared to the AirPods Pro 2 with the U1 chip, the improvement is clearly visible.
Why only with iPhone 17 and iPhone Air?
It would seem logical that the improved precision search also works with older iPhones that also have a U2 chip, such as the iPhone 15. However, Apple itself clarifies that the increased accuracy is only available with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. Confirmation of this can be found in a footnote on the official product page, which clearly states that the improved precision search is only compatible with these new models. Other iPhones are excluded.
Use with older iPhones
The AirPods Pro 3 can, of course, also be used with iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and older devices. The location feature also works as usual. However, the 1.5 times more precise search feature is reserved for the latest iPhones. Whether users of older models will still benefit from these minor improvements remains unclear. Apple itself has not yet released any details.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Differences
- iPhone 17: Why this model is so convincing
- iPhone Air or iPhone 17 Pro? All the differences compared
- iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16: All the differences in detail
- iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Differences at a glance
- iPhone Air: Seven facts about the new ultra-thin smartphone
- AirPods Pro 3: Apple's headphones with 8 exciting upgrades
- AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: The big comparison in detail
- Is the iPhone 17 Pro not worth it? The iPhone 18 Pro in focus
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2, Series 11: Battery comparison
- iPhone 17 Pro: Everything about the new camera platform & more
Apple's strategy
Apple isn't alone in tying features to new devices. In the past, certain features were reserved exclusively for current models to make upgrading to the latest hardware more attractive. This approach is evident again with the AirPods Pro 3: Anyone who wants full performance needs an iPhone 17 or iPhone Air.
- Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 & SE 3 Reviews at a Glance
- Apple Sports now available in Germany: All features
AirPods Pro 3: Improved precision search remains an iPhone 17 advantage
The AirPods Pro 3 are a significant upgrade, with improved noise cancellation, an optimized charging case, and practical precision tracking. While the basic features work with all current iPhones, the improved tracking remains exclusive to the latest models. Apple is clearly focusing on the close connection between the AirPods Pro 3 and the iPhone 17. Anyone who wants to fully benefit from the new tracking feature can't miss one of these devices. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
- iOS 26 makes Siri better – five new features at a glance
- iOS 26 brings five improvements for battery performance
- iOS 26: All new features in the Shortcuts app at a glance
- iOS 26: All new camera features at a glance
- iOS 26 at a glance: What's new in the Messages app
- Apple redesigns TV app: What's new in iOS 26
- iOS 26: All the new features and highlights of the Podcasts app
- iOS 26: How Apple fundamentally changes the phone app
- iOS 26: Everything about the new home screen with Liquid Glass
- iOS 26: All the new features around the Liquid Glass design
- iOS 26: 7 exciting AirPods features at a glance
- iOS 26: Everything you need to know about the new FaceTime features
- Genmoji in iOS 26: Apple gives the feature a major update
- iOS 26: Everything about the new games app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- iOS 26: The most important new features in the Photos app
- iOS 26: Beats and AirPods automatically pause when you sleep
- iOS 26: All Apple Music innovations at a glance
- iOS 26 expands the functionality of the HomePod
- Image Playground gets significantly better with iOS 26
- iOS 26 brings new screenshot features to the iPhone
- iOS 26: Five new lock screen features at a glance
- iOS 26 design change: Reduce transparency easily
- iOS 26: Create your own ringtones – without GarageBand
- iOS 26: All the new features for Notes and Reminders
