Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

AirPods Pro 3 Launch Now Just Months Away: Here's What We Know

I think Apple may drastically change the design of their AirPods Pro to look more like the Beats Fit Pro. And don't be surprised it may switch to a dual-driver design to dramatically improve sound quality. It'll be interesting to see if the new model also supports Bluetooth 6.0 spec, too.
 
Last edited:
MrRom92 said:
I always said I wouldn’t buy AirPods until they utilized a lossless audio connection. I caved and bought APP2 as they are simply too convenient, however the sound quality is so bad I still find myself never wanting to actually use them. It is never more than a few minutes before they end up getting taken out of my ears, and often more than a few months in between attempts to give them another try. A waste of money of the highest degree. Even when I do use them I can not stand to actually listen to anything resembling music, it is unbearably bad. They are for spoken word/podcast type content only, and even then, the completely sucked out hollow sound is disorienting and nauseating.
Click to expand...
I disagree. They aren't comparable to over ear headphones but they sound fine for the convenience they offer. I don't have your issues with them falling out of my ears during workouts or outdoor activities. I use them daily and find them to be well worth the money I paid ($169 Costco). I've had them for 2 years and haven't had any crackling issues or any of the other gremlins that people have had with the original Pro's. I don't need heart monitoring as I have an Apple Watch but I'll replace my OG Pro's with either the Pro 2's or the Pro 3's when the time comes
 
It's all about the fit for me, not the price. We're only talking about tens of dollars. My AirPod 4s are so much more comfortable than my AirPod Pro 2s. I doubt that will change with the next generation. I wish the AirPod 4s with ANC had exactly the same features as the Pros but just with the different shape and lack of tips. It annoys me endlessly that there is no swipe volume control on the 4s for example.
 
  • Like
  • Wow
Reactions: JM and HazeAndHahmahneez
BugeyeSTI said:
I disagree. They aren't comparable to over ear headphones but they sound fine for the convenience they offer. I don't have your issues with them falling out of my ears during workouts or outdoor activities. I use them daily and find them to be well worth the money I paid ($169 Costco). I've had them for 2 years and haven't had any crackling issues or any of the other gremlins that people have had with the original Pro's. I don't need heart monitoring as I have an Apple Watch but I'll replace my OG Pro's with either the Pro 2's or the Pro 3's when the time comes
Click to expand...
I don’t even find them comparable to older basic Apple earbuds, which were bad enough but who knew they could get so much worse. The compressed audio and over processed sound is plain bad. I wouldn’t dare compare them to anything with larger drivers but these same issues also affect the AirPods Max, another reason I never bought those either.. It’s the common electronics and protocols in use that are the problem. I didn’t even mention the issue of them falling out but now that you mention it, that too is a nuisance. They never really feel secure. I am using them with the smallest included tips for the snuggest fit so I can really jam them in there and they will always find a way to work themselves out or need constant readjustment. The product category has potential but current execution is lacking big time.
 
MrRom92 said:
I don’t even find them comparable to older basic Apple earbuds, which were bad enough but who knew they could get so much worse. The compressed audio and over processed sound is plain bad. I wouldn’t dare compare them to anything with larger drivers but these same issues also affect the AirPods Max, another reason I never bought those either.. It’s the common electronics and protocols in use that are the problem. I didn’t even mention the issue of them falling out but now that you mention it, that too is a nuisance. They never really feel secure. I am using them with the smallest included tips for the snuggest fit so I can really jam them in there and they will always find a way to work themselves out or need constant readjustment. The product category has potential but current execution is lacking big time.
Click to expand...
The AirPod pro 2 generally gets high marks for its performance. Your opinion on them won’t diminish the fact they generally have high praise for their performance.

I find the fit really comfortable and can wear them for a few hours at a time - or until battery runs out.

YMMV.
 
MacRumors said:


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 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 in 2023, AirPods Pro 2 got new Adaptive Audio features, mute controls, and faster automatic device switching. And with iOS 18, released last year, 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.

More recently, AirPods Pro 2 received a significant upgrade with the release of iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2. These updates introduced hearing aid functionality in supporting regions, allowing the earbuds to function as an over-the-counter hearing aid for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Apple received FDA authorization for this feature, which should 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. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is developing heart rate monitoring technology that could be ready for the AirPods Pro 3.

Apple's Powerbeats Pro 2 offer heart rate monitoring during workouts, allowing users to connect the Powerbeats Pro 2 to gym equipment like a treadmill to measure heart rate, making the data visible in the Health app and other supported apps on the iPhone. There's a good chance AirPods Pro 3 will feature similar heart rate tracking functionality, but hopefully in an improved implementation that lets users listen to music and monitor heart-rate on gym equipment at the same time.

Apple is reportedly also 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 this year's AirPods Pro 3. Gurman has also said Apple plans to add small cameras to future AirPods to enable unspecified AI-powered features. This is said to be a "priority" project for Apple, but likely still a few years away from completion.

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.

Release Date

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in February said that the AirPods Pro 3 will arrive in 2025 but remained months away. Meanwhile, one leaker has since claimed that Apple plans to launch AirPods Pro 3 as soon as May or June this year. However, the same leaker made a similar claim in August 2024 about new AirPods Pro coming "soon," and that did not happen, so treat this latest rumor with caution.

Summing Up

With the AirPods Pro 3 potentially arriving within the next 10 months, anyone looking to invest in some new AirPods has a decision to make. The 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 introduced in the AirPods Pro 2 and retain the current $249 price tag.

For fitness-oriented users, Powerbeats Pro 2 ini... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: AirPods Pro 3 Launch Now Just Months Away: Here's What We Know
Click to expand...
Hi res 24 96 audio support would be great
 
  • Love
Reactions: JM
WarmWinterHat said:
I like my Pros for everything except athletic use, as I get a thumping sound with them when running, with every single step...it's really annoying. They are great otherwise.

I'll have to see with the next version..
Click to expand...

have you tried turning on noise cancellation mode? I noticed it cuts out the sound of your own running feet....but then again, my steps are ninjaic so no need....maybe you have pro generation 1s and it can't do that....or maybe you're just running it wrong LMAO

srsly tho...im just looking for the most accurate body temp sensing so will keep an eye out for pro 3 feature set...apple is so great, stop using google stuff folks!! peace go sox
 
CaptFuzzyBuns said:
Sadly, you're probably right, BUT I have a pair of 13 hour flights coming up next month and really really really want a new pair now!
Click to expand...

Maybe a little off-topic, but you don't find over-ear headphones better for flights? I'd be scared to use mine on a long flight since they fall out every time I fall asleep with them.
 
I currently have the original AirPods Pro that I got back in 2019 on their release day. They have been for the last few months or so, started to make a hissing sound (sounds like a radio station that isn't tuned in properly) when I first place them in my ears, it stops after 20 seconds or so. I'm definitely going to get these on their release day. I've always been very impressed with the AirPods Pro, so I expect even greater things with the AirPods Pro 3.
 
We also know there will be an update to AirPods Pro 2 to make their performance and ANC worse, so the new APP3 look even better!
 
  • Disagree
Reactions: Fatboy71
Why do people with hearing loss need ANC? Don't noises self cancel in their ears? ;):p

In all seriousness I was thinking about getting my dad a pair of APP2 because he is nearly deaf, but now I'll probably wait until the 3s come out.
 
Expecting only improvements to Active noise cancellation. Will be good if it has heart rate monitoring. Expecting same price to continue.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mganu
CarAnalogy said:
Maybe a little off-topic, but you don't find over-ear headphones better for flights? I'd be scared to use mine on a long flight since they fall out every time I fall asleep with them.
Click to expand...
Over the ear headphones are nice, but pocket friendly headphones are nicer. I usually take them out if I try to nap, just in case. I'd consider getting some AirPod Max's if the recent update was more than a lightening -> USB-C update.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CarAnalogy
MrRom92 said:
I always said I wouldn’t buy AirPods until they utilized a lossless audio connection. I caved and bought APP2 as they are simply too convenient, however the sound quality is so bad I still find myself never wanting to actually use them. It is never more than a few minutes before they end up getting taken out of my ears, and often more than a few months in between attempts to give them another try. A waste of money of the highest degree. Even when I do use them I can not stand to actually listen to anything resembling music, it is unbearably bad. They are for spoken word/podcast type content only, and even then, the completely sucked out hollow sound is disorienting and nauseating.
Click to expand...
Audio quality is definitely a very subjective experience. . . Yet it sounds like either your audio source files are low-quality or there is something amiss with your Airpods. However, that seems unlikely to me since audio quality is obviously important to you.

Just last night I was listening to rock and acoustic on Spotify at its highest audio settings. Even though that isn't saying much I was amazed at the quality particularly being able to hear instruments that are sometimes entirely absent in the mix on the original LPs circa 1960-70s.

Granted, at my age I have lost the very highest register but otherwise my hearing is quite good. I have a pretty large LP (many bought used 50 years ago) and a CD collection along with very good speakers in my living room. (The first major purchase I made with my own money was a KLH stereo in 1971. Its speakers weren't that great LOL.) Over the years I've heard a lot of excellent and expensive music systems but I am definitely not an audiophile even though I can afford to indulge the hobby if I was so inclined.

I listen to music for pleasure and I adjust my expectations accordingly depending on the music source. Hearing Alice Cooper's "School's Out" on my car's AM radio for the very first time on graduation night 1972 was a transcendent experience (of course tripping on acid certainly helped). I prefer quality speakers/headphones over earbuds and the AP2 are my first wireless because I am not a fan of Bluetooth devices. But the convenience of wireless earbuds is undeniable since I use earbuds a lot when I work in my yard, running errands or late at night in bed.

Good luck with your quest for perfect sound quality while on-the-go ;)
 
I’ve had my AirPod Pro 2 since the launch in September 2022 and they are pretty awesome. I do hope that they do make a huge improvement to the active noise cancellation I think it could be a lot better. I’ll be ready to give up my 2s for 3s in September when it’s most likely going to launch along the iPhone 17 that’s my guess.
Keep it simple Apple we don’t need a lot of bells and whistles other than noise cancellation they’re meant for talking and listening to music. Perfect that aspect first forget the rest , like the screen on the AirPod Case that’s ridiculous , in my opinion your body temperature on the inner ear would be easy, but not necessary !
 
Can we please get decent call quality this time?

I am sick of having unintelligible conversations with people because something brushed up against their AirPods mic while talking. Long hair or beards absolutely trash the mic.

Doesn't help that the HFP/HSP BT profile limits bandwidth to 64kbps (let's party like it's ISDN). Apple's AAC-ELD may be a fancy "HD" voice codec, but if the Bluetooth SIG allowed a higher bitrate Apple wouldn't have to be bleeding a stone.
 
If they'd just stick in my ear.

Not all ears are equal. Apple should add a (detachable) ear hook, so they can also be used for sports and... maybe people with 'funny ears' can enjoy the airpods too ;-)
 
  • Like
Reactions: chas_m
We don't "know" diddly-squat about either of these unannounced products.

I enjoyed the article's roundup of the current hints and rumours, but rumours aren't facts. This is a gross misuse of the term "know," and MR is far from the only site guilty of abusing language and reality by misusing it. "What we expect" or even "what we believe" are good substitutes for speculation -- because that's what this is, even if some of it is incredibly likely -- but "what we know" should cause writers and editors to be sent to English-abuse jail until they can prove that they actually know what "know" means. :)
 
hanske68 said:
If they'd just stick in my ear.

Not all ears are equal. Apple should add a (detachable) ear hook, so they can also be used for sports and... maybe people with 'funny ears' can enjoy the airpods too ;-)
Click to expand...
You can buy detachable ear hooks cheap on Amazon. They work great.
 
We are in Australia AirPod Pro Gen 1was quietly replaced after US Class Actions however apple only posted the recall in lcloud but not in general media nor emailed to consumer, hence many missed out 3 years period. Australian Class Actions Law Firms are reluctant to pursue this case. Now Apple wants $139 to replace defective AirPods not feasible to get it replaced after spending $345 for initial purchase.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back