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Five Features Coming to AirPods Pro 3

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Apple hasn't updated the AirPods Pro since 2022 other than a shift from Lightning to USB-C, and the earbuds are due for a refresh. We're counting on a new model this year, and we've seen several hints of new AirPods tucked away in Apple's code. Rumors suggest that Apple has some exciting new features planned that will make it worthwhile to upgrade to the latest model.


  1. Health Features - Earlier this year, Apple released the Powerbeats Pro 2 with heart rate monitoring, and that functionality is expected for the AirPods Pro 3 too. Temperature sensing is also a possibility. The Apple Watch can detect skin temperature, but that's not accurate for fevers. In-ear temperature readings would provide more useful data.
  2. Audio Quality Upgrade - Apple is upgrading the H-series chip that's in the AirPods, which is likely to bring improved audio quality. The AirPods Pro 2 support Lossless Audio when paired with Vision Pro thanks to a proprietary wireless audio protocol, and Apple could expand that to other devices. The AirPods Pro 3 could adopt Bluetooth 5.4 for better audio latency.
  3. Better Active Noise Cancellation - The H3 chip will allow for even faster on-device processing for improved Active Noise Cancellation and better Adaptive Audio. The H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 actively reduces louder, intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second to cut down on environmental noise exposure, and an upgraded H-series chip could do even better.
  4. Refreshed Design - Apple is going to update the design of the AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods 4 got a slimmed down case, a hidden capacitive pairing button, and a concealed LED, so we could see those same changes with the next AirPods Pro. The earbuds could get a design overhaul too, and upgrade possibilities include a smaller in-ear piece and a shorter stem.
  5. Updated Tracking - The AirPods Pro 3 are likely to get Apple's second-generation Ultra Wide Band (UWB) chip for more precise tracking using the Find My app.
Live Translation was a feature rumored for the AirPods Pro 3, but as it turns out, that's functionality that Apple brought to all AirPods models that are connected to an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence running iOS 26. Live Translation also works on Apple Intelligence-compatible Macs and iPads.

We're expecting to see the AirPods Pro 3 later this year, perhaps at Apple's September event where the new iPhone 17 models will be unveiled.

Article Link: Five Features Coming to AirPods Pro 3
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/27/airpods-pro-3-five-features/
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Technically speaking, the last update was in 2023 with the introduction of the USB-C case.
Also, the new features announced for iOS26* would be an excellent sales point for a newer version that Apple wouldn't miss.
IMO will be see a 2026 launch.

*Audio recording. Capture high-quality audio during video conference calls. And record in high definition in Camera with AirPods and AirPods Pro with the H2 chip.

*AirPods Camera Remote. Start recording video in Camera by pressing and holding on AirPods or AirPods Pro with the H2 chip.
 
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The one thing I could really wish for is a stronger connection to the phone. When I get out into a busy, wide open environment like my train station, the connection cuts out until I take my phone out of my pocket and bring it up to my chest. Same happens on the street. I've started thinking of it as the "street corner effect": I'll be walking along the sidewalk playing music just fine, but as soon as I hit a corner with a bunch of other people around (and, I assume, their own bluetooth signals), the APP cut out again.
 
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I would put an H3 in the case to allow H3-H3 low latency audio via usb-c. A camera would also be dope, but I’m thinking that’s the generation after.
 
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The AirPods Pro are the closest thing to perfection that Apple makes. I hope they don’t change them for the sake of change. Already the “health features” look like wacky additions that will just make the product unnecessarily complicated.
 
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Think it will have the same price and get better tracking in FindMy along with better Active noise cancellation. The case might get changes similar to AirPods 3. As for health features not sure what will be added. Expecting to see it along with iPhone 17.
 
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I hope the new Airpods Pro and iPhone have some kind of new connectivity chip that enable them ultra-low latency communication. So, when they're paired, you can play video games with virtually no latency on Airpods. Sort of like those in Logitech mouse with Lightspeed tech. I love their wireless mouse because it gives me less than 1msec delay.
 
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clive27 said:
I hope the new Airpods Pro and iPhone have some kind of new connectivity chip that enable them ultra-low latency communication. So, when they're paired, you can play video games with virtually no latency on Airpods. Sort of like those in Logitech mouse with Lightspeed tech. I love their wireless mouse because it gives me less than 1msec delay.
Click to expand...
Hence my suggestion of Bluetooth 6.0 support.
 
I really hope that ANC will be good this time.
Airpods Pro 2 has been completely disappointing as you could hear normal voices through. I returned them.

I also hope that rtings or others actually measure ANC with the exact filter results so that a degrading firmware update would be detected immediately.
 
Honestly I just wish they'd make the mic grills easier to clean.


"Degrading ANC with firmware updates" is just the airpods recalibrating themselves after a firmware update, often to worse quality than they used to have due to said issue about micro bits of dirt/debris in the grills. A quick isopropyl alcohol wash usually gets mine back to like-new ANC quality.


Which is strange because they seem to do the calibration song and dance regularly, yet seem to discard results unless its a noticeable change (ie much cleaner or dirtier grill), or after a firmware update.
 
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macvicta said:
The AirPods Pro are the closest thing to perfection that Apple makes. I hope they don’t change them for the sake of change. Already the “health features” look like wacky additions that will just make the product unnecessarily complicated.
Click to expand...
Completely agreed! I bought the Airpods Pro 2 on a Black Friday sale in early November last year, and I've never loved a set of headphones or earbuds as much as I love them. Will I buy the 3s? Dunno. But will I buy the 4s? ABSOLUTELY.
 
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When is the last time Apple has released anything new that is better than what it replaces and wasn't made into a higher priced tier? (dont say 16gb ram Macs, we had to overpay for how many years before they gave us that one?) New AirPods with new features will be more expensive models. New AirPods with reduced features will be the lower priced option. The currently priced one will be light bumps, more features require move money because they aren't $300 yet, but they will be.
 
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reyesmac said:
When is the last time Apple has released anything new that is better than what it replaces and wasn't made into a higher priced tier?
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MacBook Air. It's been around $999 for like 15+ years now, even in the face of inflation (which means the price has actually been plummeting). The M4 is 2x as fast as the M1, and the M1 makes the Intel ones look like dog***.

Mac Mini. It got smaller, faster and cheaper last year. Same note about the Air applies: the price has gotten lower and lower over time.

I'm sure there are others.
 
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This is hands down my most anticipated product from Apple. While new features would be nice, I really just want improved battery life and improved ANC. Everything else is just gravy after that. My Airpods Pro 1st gen are still going strong after 5 years, but battery life has degraded and I will probably instantly upgrade assuming nothing catastrophic happens with this refresh.
 
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I'd love to see them move to a behind the ear style (ala hearing aid style) to allow for a bigger battery and more secure fit. Not likely, but it would greatly increase the functionality.

I'd also love to see them in flesh color. I don't need white blobs sticking out of my ears.
 
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