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Apple Was Caught Off Guard by AirPods Pro 3 Popularity

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AirPods Pro 3 demand was so strong after the earbuds launched in September that their popularity reportedly "caught Apple off guard."

airpods-pro-3-design.jpg

"AirPods Pro 3 were supply-constrained during the quarter, and we think we would have grown year over year if we would not have been constrained," Apple CEO Tim Cook told Reuters, in a report published alongside Apple's record-breaking earnings results for the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year.

Cook was referring to Apple's Wearable, Home, and Accessories segment, which saw around a 2% drop in revenue year-over-year. His comment implies that if Apple had realized AirPods Pro 3 were going to be such a hit, the company could have had more inventory ready to ship and might have actually had revenue growth in this segment.

AirPods Pro 3 no longer have any extended delivery delays on Apple's online store, so it would appear that Apple has caught up on supply by now.

AirPods Pro 3 feature increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, longer battery life per charge, heart rate monitoring during workouts, improved fit for many users, increased water resistance, a new XXS ear tip size, and more.

Article Link: Apple Was Caught Off Guard by AirPods Pro 3 Popularity
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/29/apple-on-airpods-pro-3-popularity/
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Reactions: Z-4195
As someone who had issues with fit and sound with the 2s to the point of selling them, I love the 3s so much. No weird pressure with the ANC like the 2s. Way more natural and deep sound than the 2s. Way better battery than the 2s. The 2s my left ear would fall out all the time, these are rock solid I never even have to adjust them. They are somehow perfect in every way for me. Guess it’s different ear to ear.

I think the thing that made it all click for me is the foam-hybrid tips. I tried third party foam tips to fix my issues with the 2s and it mostly worked except they kept ripping and didn’t fit in the case super well.

Only thing that will get me to upgrade at this point is lossless steaming
 
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Reactions: Rradcircless, tshane, I/0 and 5 others
These are good “stocking stuffer” gifts and add-ons for iPhone purchases. Not surprised that they were popular last quarter with the strong iPhone demand.
 
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I find it a bit strange to hear. They got massively discounted on Amazon throughout Nov/Dec - as witnessed here with multiple headlines “Lowest price seen “ multiple times? That is very unusual for a brand new Apple product.

I tried them - and returned them. They did not fit my ears. Could do max 1 hour with them in my ears.

I refurbed my AP2’s and are still happy with those.
 
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kaz911 said:
I find it a bit strange to hear. They got massively discounted on Amazon throughout Nov/Dec - as witnessed here with multiple headlines “Lowest price seen “ multiple times? That is very unusual for a brand new Apple product.

I tried them - and returned them. They did not fit my ears. Could do max 1 hour with them in my ears.

I refurbed my AP2’s and are still happy with those.
Click to expand...
Came to say this
 
Now I don't want to catch any of you off guard, but both Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs and Linus Sebastian of Linus Media Group have complained that the AirPods Pro 3 have too much bass compared to the prior model.
 
kaz911 said:
I find it a bit strange to hear. They got massively discounted on Amazon throughout Nov/Dec - as witnessed here with multiple headlines “Lowest price seen “ multiple times? That is very unusual for a brand new Apple product.
Click to expand...
Margins on accessories are high. But I thought the bigger discounts were on the older generation. Even so, it isn’t unusual to see retail discounts during the holiday season.
 
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I’ve had many earphone, earbuds, etc. over the years, and the Pro 3 are the first once that actually fit and stay in. The foam tips are the solution IMO
 
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While I prefer the fit of my APP2, the APP3 ANC and sound quality is clearly worth the trade-off for me.
I am not surprise they are doing good, some people are willing to spend a lot of money for better sound quality. (me included)
 
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