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Despite being released over two years ago, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 continue to dominate the wireless earbud market. However, with the AirPods Pro 3 expected to launch sometime in 2025, anyone thinking of buying Apple's premium earbuds may be wondering if the next generation is worth holding out for.

airpods-pro-2-gradient.jpg

Apart from their audio and noise-canceling performance, which are generally regarded as excellent for such small buds, one of the reasons the AirPods Pro 2 have remained popular is Apple's commitment to updating their feature set with software updates.

When iOS 17 was released last year, AirPods Pro 2 got new Adaptive Audio features, mute controls, and faster automatic device switching. And with iOS 18, released last month, Apple added head gestures, allowing users to control Siri on the ‌AirPods Pro‌ with a shake or a nod of the head. Apple also added Voice Isolation to the ‌AirPods Pro‌ to cut down on loud background sounds to make you easier to hear, along with more granular Adaptive Audio controls and a new Personalized Spatial Audio feature specific to gaming.

In addition, AirPods Pro 2 are set to receive a significant upgrade in October with the release of iOS 18.1. This update is expected to introduce hearing aid functionality, allowing the earbuds to function as an over-the-counter hearing aid for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Apple has already received FDA authorization for this feature, which could be a game-changer for many users.

2025 AirPods Pro: What the Rumors Say

Any future generation of AirPods Pro will surely inherit all of these features, but we are also expecting more dramatic changes. Looking ahead to the AirPods Pro 3, multiple reports suggest Apple is planning a redesign for both the earbuds and the charging case. While details are scarce, this indicates the next iteration may sport a fresh look compared to their predecessors, which have maintained a similar design since the original AirPods Pro.

Under the hood, Apple is also said to be focusing on sonic improvements, with Apple adding a faster audio processor. This has been a consistent trend with each AirPods iteration. Perhaps more intriguing however are rumors of "much better" Active Noise Cancellation capabilities compared to the already impressive AirPods Pro 2.

Health features appear to be a major focus for the AirPods Pro 3 as well. Apple is reportedly developing new sensors that could allow the earbuds to measure body temperature from within the ear canal. This aligns with the company's broader push into health monitoring across its product line, but whether the sensor will be ready in time for next year's model is unknown.

Looking further ahead, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes we could see AirPods with integrated infrared cameras as soon as 2026. These would improve spatial audio experiences when paired with the Vision Pro headset, although it's unlikely that this technology will debut with next year's AirPods Pro 3.

AirPods 4 Hints

airpods-4-blue.jpg

The fourth-generation AirPods could offer a hint as to what other design changes we could see in AirPods Pro 3. AirPods 4 eliminate the familiar setup button found on the back of earlier models' charging cases. Instead, Apple has integrated a concealed capacitive button on the front of the case, just below the status light. To initiate pairing mode, users simply open the case and double-tap the front-center area.

The ‌AirPods 4‌'s status light has also received a stealthy makeover. When the case is closed or not charging, the LED is completely invisible. It only reveals itself when the case is opened or placed on a charger. These design changes contribute to the smallest and lightest AirPods charging case to date, and there's a good chance Apple will bring them over to the next-generation AirPods Pro.

Summing Up

With the AirPods Pro 3 potentially arriving within the next 12 months, anyone looking to invest in some new AirPods has a decision to make. The recently released AirPods 4 bring some Pro features like Active Noise Cancellation to a more affordable $179 price point. However, those who prioritize cutting-edge features and are willing to wait might find the upcoming AirPods Pro 3 to be a more compelling option, especially if they build upon the hearing aid functionality soon to be introduced in the AirPods Pro 2 and retain the current $249 price tag.

Are you holding out for AirPods Pro 3? Let us know in the comments.

Article Link: AirPods Pro 3 Expected Next Year: Here's What We Know
 
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fwmireault

macrumors 68020
Jul 4, 2019
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Montréal, Canada

CarAnalogy

macrumors 603
Jun 9, 2021
5,036
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I wish it would alert you when the case isn't charging one of the pods.

Technically if you watch closely as you put them in, the light is supposed to pulse when each one makes connection. And the battery widget will show individual bud charging status if there's room.

But yeah, both are very easy to miss. Would be nice. But Apple generally tends to assume their stuff works perfectly and doesn't engineer in a lot of help for mistakes.
 

Truben

macrumors member
Sep 26, 2022
92
96
I bought the Airpods Pro 2 a year ago. I see zero reason to upgrade and create more e-waste. I'll keep using my Airpods Pro 2 for as long as the battery keeps a decent charge.
I share the same sentiment. I intend to upgrade my pods when the hardware, sealing, or audio processor undergoes an serious upgrade.
 
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phenste

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Sep 16, 2012
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Under the hood, Apple is also said to be focusing on sonic improvements, with Apple adding a faster audio processor. This has been a consistent trend with each AirPods iteration.


to be fair, part of what made this (lack of a proper) update so shocking is that it’s a statistical anomaly amongst AirPod updates—you still get a like bc it’s ridiculous to not have H2 in APM by this point, lmao. maybe we’ll get a better chip in $550 headphones by the time AirPower is ready!
 
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SuperCachetes

macrumors 65816
Nov 28, 2010
1,250
1,147
Away from you
I wish it would alert you when the case isn't charging one of the pods.
It seems like sticking a tool into the case and prying up the charging contacts (basically bending them upwards so they are held tighter against the earbuds) is a semi-annual maintenance procedure for me. Also, the charging conductivity between case and buds is more sensitive to contaminants than one would think...
 

krspkbl

macrumors 68020
Jul 20, 2012
2,444
5,867
For Airpods Pro 3:

  • ANC could definitely be better. It's not terrible but a lot of sound still gets through
  • Better fit. I've tried all the different silicone plug sizes but none fit my ear properly and when I'm in bed they keep falling out. My old SONY WF-1000XM3 earphones were stuck in my ears no matter what!
  • Ear canal temp sensor would be cool but whatever
  • In black please. Grey/Silver/Gold colours would be nice.
  • Longer battery life is always welcome even if it means a bigger size.
 
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phenste

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Sep 16, 2012
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No rumors, just a big picture

Well done Mr. ClickbaitRumors

Looking ahead to the AirPods Pro 3, multiple reports suggest Apple is planning a redesign for both the earbuds and the charging case.

Under the hood, Apple is also said to be focusing on sonic improvements, with Apple adding a faster audio processor. This has been a consistent trend with each AirPods iteration. Perhaps more intriguing however are rumors of "much better" Active Noise Cancellation capabilities compared to the already impressive AirPods Pro 2.

Apple is reportedly developing new sensors that could allow the earbuds to measure body temperature from within the ear canal.

Looking further ahead, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes we could see AirPods with integrated infrared cameras as soon as 2026.

The fourth-generation AirPods could offer a hint as to what other design changes we could see in AirPods Pro 3. [literally this entire section but I didn’t feel like pasting all of it]

tell me you didn’t read the article w/o telling me you didn’t read the article
 

macjaffa

macrumors regular
Feb 17, 2010
196
211
to be fair, part of what made this (lack of a proper) update so shocking is that it’s a statistical anomaly amongst AirPod updates—you still get a like bc it’s ridiculous to not have H2 in APM by this point, lmao. maybe we’ll get a better chip in $550 headphones by the time AirPower is ready!
ridiculous to not have H2 in APM by this point, lmao

What does this even mean, lmao
 

Heat_Fan89

macrumors 68030
Feb 23, 2016
2,908
3,775
I bought a pair of AirPods 4 from Apple and I have been very pleased with the fit and sound. They are a nice upgrade over the AirPods 2nd gen. I would definitely consider the AirPods Pro 3 when they get released.
 

SactoGuy18

macrumors 601
Sep 11, 2006
4,731
1,798
Sacramento, CA USA
I really hope they change the design of the AirPods Pro 3. It should operate more like the Beats Fit Pro. I wonder has Apple thought about buying Status Audio and incorporating their triple-driver design into a future AirPods Pro.
 
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