Apple has often set high expectations for its new products. However, the launch of the AirPods Pro 3 in September showed that even an experienced company can be surprised by actual demand. The wireless in-ear headphones became a bestseller faster than expected and even impacted Apple's quarterly results.
Apple is known for precise planning, stable supply chains, and strong control over production processes. That makes it all the more remarkable when a new product exceeds internal expectations. The AirPods Pro 3 exemplify the current high demand for premium wearables and how significantly individual product lines can influence entire business units.
Unexpectedly high demand after the sales launch
Following the launch of the AirPods Pro 3 in September, demand was so high that availability was temporarily limited. Apple itself stated that the popularity of the new headphones had surprised the company.
Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed this in an interview with Reuters. He explained that the AirPods Pro 3 had limited availability during the quarter. Without these restrictions, Apple could have achieved year-over-year growth.
Impact on Apple's quarterly results
Tim Cook's comments came in the context of Apple's record profits in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2025. Despite these strong overall figures, the "Wearables, Home & Accessories" category saw a slight decline. Revenue in this segment was approximately two percent lower than the previous year.
According to Apple, this decline was not due to a lack of demand, but rather to the limited supply of the AirPods Pro 3. This product in particular could have significantly supported the sector without the bottlenecks.
Delivery problems have now been resolved
The AirPods Pro 3 are currently available again in the Apple Online Store without long delivery times. This suggests that Apple has overcome the initial supply bottlenecks. Production and logistics now appear to be adjusted to the high demand, so the headphones are available again at regular prices.
Technical innovations of the AirPods Pro 3
A key reason for the great success of the AirPods Pro 3 lies in the extensive improvements compared to the previous model. Apple has specifically refined several features and added new ones. These include:
- improved active noise cancellation
- an overall better sound quality
- longer battery life per charge
- an integrated heart rate monitor during training
- a fit optimized for many users
- increased water resistance
- A new XXS earplug size for very small ears
This combination of audio quality, wearing comfort and health features makes the AirPods Pro 3 more than just classic headphones.
AirPods Pro 3 strengthen Apple's position in the wearable market
The AirPods Pro 3 have demonstrated that Apple can continue to make a strong impact in the wearables sector. While the surprisingly high demand led to temporary supply shortages, it also underscores the product's success. Now that availability has stabilized, the AirPods Pro 3 are likely to play a significant role in Apple's accessories and wearables division in the long term, further solidifying the high standing of this product category. Those who have been considering purchasing them can currently find the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon with a discount of approximately 14 percent. (Image: Shutterstock / photoschmidt)
- Apple explains its strategy in the face of rising RAM and SSD prices
- Tim Cook: Apple remains committed to data privacy despite Google partnership
- Apple reports 2.5 billion active devices worldwide
- Apple Q1 2026: Record revenue and strong profit growth
- Apple TV celebrates F1 as the most-watched film of all time
- Apple confirms acquisition of Q.ai for $2 billion
- The iPhone 16 will top the smartphone charts in 2025
- Apple strengthens design team with Halide co-founder
- Apple secures the rights to the Cosmere universe
- iOS 26.3 Beta 3 Warning: These Continuity features will be unavailable
- Patreon and Apple: New deadline once again draws criticism
- Apple Watch shows benefits in study on AFib aftercare
- Apple loses top position at TSMC due to AI boom
- AirTag 2: Teardown reveals all internal innovations
- Apple poised for a strong quarter: iPhone 17 and AI in focus
- Apple Creator Studio: new creative subscription now available
- Apple TV: Criminal Record Season 2 starts in April
- Apple TV confirms Ted Lasso Season 4 for Summer 2026
- Tim Cook comments internally on the Minneapolis shooting
- Apple TV received nine nominations at the Writers Guild Awards
- Apple TV has renewed "Shrinking" for a fourth season
- App Store: Report reveals extent of problematic apps
- Apple's iPad turns 16 – this is how the tablet era began
- WhatsApp improves data protection with anti-spyware update
