Apple Unveils AirPods Pro 3: Enhanced Audio, Health Tracking, and Live Translation

Apple today pulled back the curtain on the highly anticipated AirPods Pro 3, marking a significant leap forward in personal audio technology. The latest iteration boasts an array of impressive upgrades, including a redesigned fit, enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), integrated heart rate sensing for workouts, and the introduction of Live Translation capabilities, all aimed at delivering what Apple is calling "the ultimate audio experience."

The new AirPods Pro 3 are available for pre-order starting today, with retail availability commencing on Friday, September 19. They are priced at $249 (U.S.).

Next-Generation Audio and Unrivaled Noise Cancellation

At the core of the AirPods Pro 3 is a completely re-engineered acoustic architecture. Apple claims this new design precisely controls airflow to deliver an exceptional spatial listening experience. Coupled with next-generation Adaptive EQ, the AirPods Pro 3 promise to transform bass response, widen the soundstage for a more immersive feel, and provide clearer vocal reproduction across music, shows, and calls.

Notably, Apple is touting the AirPods Pro 3 as featuring the "world's best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation." The company states they can remove up to two times more noise than the previous generation AirPods Pro, and an astonishing four times more than the original AirPods Pro. This enhanced ANC is achieved through ultra-low noise microphones and advanced computational audio, further bolstered by new foam-infused ear tips that provide superior passive noise isolation. This means users can expect a more immersive listening experience, whether they're commuting, working in a busy office, or simply trying to relax at home. Battery life has also seen a significant boost, with up to eight hours of music playback with ANC enabled – a 33 percent increase over the previous model.

A Smarter Fit for More Users and Workout Integration

Apple has clearly put a premium on user comfort and stability with the AirPods Pro 3. Through extensive research, including over 10,000 ear scans and more than 100,000 hours of user testing, the company has developed a design that is claimed to be the most secure and best-fitting AirPods ever. The internal architecture has been made smaller, while the external geometry of the ear tips has been optimized for increased stability. This focus on fit is further supported by the inclusion of new foam-infused ear tips, now available in five sizes, including a new extra-small (XXS) option, ensuring a more personalized and secure fit for a wider range of users.

For fitness enthusiasts, the AirPods Pro 3 introduce a groundbreaking integration with the Fitness app. For the first time, users can leverage their AirPods Pro 3 to measure their heart rate during workouts. This is made possible by a custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that uses infrared light to track blood flow. Combined with existing sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS, and powered by a new on-device AI model within the iPhone, users can now track over 50 different workout types, monitor heart rate and calories burned, and even close their Move ring directly from their AirPods. Apple is also introducing "Workout Buddy," a new AI-powered fitness experience designed to provide personalized motivational insights during workouts based on a user's fitness history.

Live Translation and Enhanced Hearing Health Features

Breaking new ground, the AirPods Pro 3 are set to introduce Live Translation, currently available in beta. This feature aims to make face-to-face conversations more accessible by facilitating communication across different languages. Powered by Apple Intelligence and computational audio, Live Translation can help users understand and respond in real-time. For interactions where the other person doesn't have AirPods, the iPhone can be used as a horizontal display to show live transcriptions. When the other person speaks, their words are translated and relayed through the AirPods. This feature is particularly useful for travelers and those collaborating across language barriers. Initially supporting English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, Apple plans to add Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) by the end of the year.

Apple continues its commitment to hearing health with the AirPods Pro 3. Building on previous features, the new earbuds expand the end-to-end hearing health experience. Hearing Protection, which helps minimize exposure to loud environmental noise, is now available for users in the EU and UK following regional certification. The existing Hearing Test feature, which has already assisted millions in understanding their hearing, is now even more accessible with the improved ANC of the AirPods Pro 3. Additionally, Conversation Boost, designed to help hearing aid users in noisy environments like restaurants, is now automatic, providing powerful amplification with background noise reduction. Battery life in Transparency mode has also seen a boost, offering up to 10 hours of listening time, a 67 percent increase over the previous generation.

Sustainability and Availability

In line with Apple's environmental goals, the AirPods Pro 3 are constructed with 40 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery and 65 percent recycled plastic in the charging case. The manufacturing process utilizes 40 percent renewable electricity. The packaging is also 100 percent fiber-based and designed for easy recycling.

Customers can pre-order the AirPods Pro 3 starting today, September 9, 2025, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 19. The earbuds are priced at $249 (U.S.). New subscribers can also receive three months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ free with their purchase.