AirPods Pro 3: State of Play (as of Today)
Apple has officially unveiled the AirPods Pro 3 during its “Awe Dropping” Apple Event held on September 9, 2025. Pre-orders are open now, and the new earbuds will begin shipping Friday, September 19, 2025
Key New Features at a Glance
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World’s Best Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Apple claims the ANC system is up to 2× more effective than the AirPods Pro 2 and 4× more effective than the original AirPods Pro -
Enhanced Fit & Ear Tip Options
The new design leverages over 10,000 3D ear scans and 100,000 hours of research to deliver a more secure fit. AirPods Pro 3 are slightly smaller and come with foam-infused ear tips in five sizes—including a new XXS -
Built‑In Health and Fitness Features
For the first time, these earphones include a PPG heart rate sensor that measures metrics like heart rate and calories burned. The earbuds integrate with the iPhone Fitness app and the new Workout Buddy feature for personalized workout tracking -
Live Translation via Apple Intelligence
A seamless live translation feature allows AirPods Pro 3 to translate speech in real time—either played aloud or shown as transcription on the iPhone -
Improved Battery Life
With ANC enabled, the battery life reaches up to 8 hours—a notable 33% improvement over the previous generation -
IP57 Water- and Sweat-Resistance
This is the first time Apple applies IP57 to its AirPods line, marking a significant boost in durability and protection during workouts or rain -
Eco‑friendly Design
Constructed with 40% recycled content—including recycled cobalt in the battery and recycled plastic in the case—the product also reflects Apple’s broader commitment to sustainability . -
Price and Availability
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Starting Price: US $249 (same as AirPods Pro 2)
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Pre‑Orders: Available today — shipping begins September 19, 2025
Bonus Features
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Conversation Boost now activates automatically in noisy environments (like restaurants) to better enhance speech clarity
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Environmental Settings: Transparency mode now preserves the clarity of your own voice and surrounding interactions—thanks to advanced Adaptive EQ and acoustic architecture
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Summary Table
| Feature | What’s New in AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Announced Sep 9, 2025 — Ships from Sep 19, 2025 |
| Price (U.S.) | $249 — same as AirPods Pro 2 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | 2× better vs Pro 2; 4× better vs original Pro |
| Fit and Comfort | Smaller design, foam-infused tips in 5 sizes |
| Health Tracking | Built‑in heart-rate monitor, Workout Buddy on iPhone |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours with ANC |
| Water Resistance | IP57 rating (first for AirPods series) |
| Translation Feature | Live speech translation, powered by AI |
| Eco‑Design | 40% recycled materials, sustainable packaging |
| Conversation Boost | Automatic voice enhancement in noisy settings |
Final Thoughts
AirPods Pro 3 set a new benchmark for Apple’s wireless earbuds: they’re not just about better audio—they’re now fitness companions, communication tools, and eco‑aware devices. With upgraded ANC, longer battery life, health monitoring, live translation, and sustainable construction, they make a compelling upgrade for Pro 2 users and newcomers alike.
They launch in just 10 days—September 19, 2025—and at a price that's competitive given the feature set. If you'd like, I can help you compare them with AirPods Pro 2 or other models—or dive deeper into feature availability in different regions.
