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AirPods Pro 3: Everything We Know So Far
The AirPods Pro 3 will likely launch alongside the iPhone 17 in September 2025.
ByRavi Teja KNTS and Ava Biswas
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Apple hasn’t touched the AirPods Pro lineup since 2022—unless you count the USB-C case refresh. That looks set to change in 2025. While Apple skipped them at WWDC, all signs now point to a major upgrade arriving later this year. And if the leaks are right, AirPods Pro 3 could be the most exciting version yet.
AirPods Pro 3: Quick Overview of Rumored Features and Specs
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect based on leaks and insider reports:
| Category | Expected Features |
|---|---|
| Release Timeline | Likely September 2025 (alongside iPhone 17); Possible delay to 2026 per some analysts |
| Design Refresh | Smaller case (like AirPods 4), shorter or stemless earbuds, better fit and comfort |
| Premium Variant | Possible touchscreen case (rumored, not confirmed) |
| New Chip | H3 chip for improved audio, ANC, battery life, and voice clarity |
| Audio Enhancements | Clearer sound, stronger bass, improved ANC, better call quality |
| Battery Improvements | Enhanced efficiency thanks to H3 chip |
| Health Features | Rumored heart rate & temperature sensors, sleep tracking |
| Accessibility Boost | Advanced sound amplification, smarter tuning, personalized hearing profiles |
| Apple Intelligence | Support for Live Translation in iOS 26.1 or 26.2 |
| Wishlist Features | Lossless audio on iPhone, larger eartips, Bluetooth TX from case, multipoint pairing |
| Price | Expected $249 (same as Pro 2), but may vary with tariffs |
| Manufacturing Shift | Likely produced in India & Vietnam to manage costs |
New Design For Airpods Pro 3
Mark Gurman reports that both the earbuds and the case are receiving a design refresh. No details yet, but it could include:
- A smaller case (like AirPods 4)
- A shorter stem or even a stemless design
- Better fit and comfort
There’s also talk of a premium variant with more features, possibly a touchscreen case—though that’s far from confirmed.
H3 Chip and Better Performance
The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to be powered by Apple’s next-gen H3 chip. This new chip should improve:
- Audio quality (clearer sound, stronger bass)
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Voice calling clarity
- Battery efficiency
The H2 chip already powers spatial audio, ANC, and Siri. So an H3 upgrade could be a big leap.
Health Features on AirPods Pro 3
Health tracking is becoming a bigger part of Apple’s wearables strategy, and the AirPods Pro 3 may be next in line. Here’s what’s rumored:
- Heart rate sensor: Already in the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.
- Temperature sensor: Could offer more accurate body readings through the ear.
- Sleep detection: H2 models (such as Pro 2) already support this, and Pro 3 will likely do too.
Hearing and Accessibility
The AirPods Pro 2 already work like basic hearing aids. Expect further improvements here:
- More accurate sound amplification
- Personalized hearing profiles
- Smarter audio tuning based on your surroundings
Live Translation and Apple Intelligence
Apple introduced the Live Translation feature with iOS 26. It can translate phone calls, FaceTime calls, and even messages. The feature is already supported by previous-generation AirPods like the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, so you can expect the AirPods Pro 3 to include it right from the start.
Building on that, Apple is also unveiling Live Translation via AirPods. With this, AirPods will pick up the other person’s voice, use your iPhone for translation, and play the translated speech in your ear. While this wasn’t shown at WWDC, Gurman reports it could arrive in iOS 26.1 around October or with iOS 26.2 by December.
Wishlist: What Users Hope to See
Some features aren’t confirmed, but people are definitely hoping for them. These could take the AirPods Pro experience to the next level if Apple actually adds them.
- Lossless audio support with Apple Music on iPhone (Just like it already does with Vision Pro)
- Extra large eartips for better fit (many users still struggle)
- Charging case that works as a Bluetooth transmitter (like Jabra/Bowers & Wilkins)
- True multipoint pairing for non-Apple devices
When will AirPods Pro 3 be released?
If Apple follows its usual pattern, the AirPods Pro 3 will likely launch alongside the iPhone 17 in September 2025. iOS 26 code has already mentioned them by name. A new Bluetooth ID matching unreleased Apple audio hardware has also been spotted. So it’s happening.
Still, not everyone agrees. Some trusted analysts, such as Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo, believe Apple might push them to 2026. But most clues suggest a 2025 release.
Price and Availability
Pricing is expected to stay the same: $249. But U.S. tariffs could affect that. Apple is likely shifting production to India and Vietnam to avoid price hikes. Even then, launch timing in the U.S. could vary depending on import costs.
Here’s a Timeline of AirPods Pro 3 Leaks Happened So Far
This timeline provides a clear view of how leaks have evolved over time. These leaks are listed in reverse-chronological (descending) order, with the newest at the top and older ones at the bottom.
Note: These leaks can sometimes contain contradictory information, as different sources claim different things. We can only be certain once the device is officially released to the public.
AirPods Pro 3 Expected to Boost Apple’s Premium Edge, Not Market Share
July 3, 2025
A new report from Counterpoint Research says the AirPods Pro 3 will help Apple maintain its lead in the premium earbud market. The new model is expected to drive strong demand among existing users, thanks to upgraded audio and health features. But with its high price tag, it’s not expected to boost Apple’s market share—especially as cheaper brands like Xiaomi and JBL continue growing fast in emerging markets. While Apple stays dominant in revenue, the real growth is happening below the $50 range.
Analyst Now Says AirPods Pro 3 Might Not Arrive Until 2026
June 16, 2025
A new report from analyst Jeff Pu suggests the AirPods Pro 3 may not launch until 2026, pushing it further than most expected. This contradicts earlier reports from Mark Gurman, who said the earbuds were just “months away” back in February. Code references to the new model were also found in iOS 26 beta, pointing to a possible 2025 release. If Pu’s timeline is right, it would mean a four-year gap since the AirPods Pro 2 launched in 2022—Apple’s longest delay between Pro models.
iOS 26 Code Confirms AirPods Pro 3 Are in the Works
June 10, 2025
New references to “AirPods Pro 3” have been spotted in iOS 26 code by Steve Moser, confirming that Apple is preparing for the next-gen model behind the scenes. The mention appears alongside existing models and shows up in a headphone-related UI framework. Apple recently updated product language from “AirPods Pro 2” to “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” further hinting at what’s coming.
AirPods Pro 3 Still Coming in 2025, But Without Camera Tech
May 22, 2025
Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods won’t launch until 2026. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be waiting that long for AirPods Pro 3. According to Mark Gurman, the next AirPods Pro are still expected in 2025. They just won’t include any of the new camera features like gesture control or spatial audio enhancements—those are likely reserved for later models.
AirPods to Get Live Translation Feature With iOS 19
March 13, 2025
Apple is adding live translation to AirPods later this year through a software update tied to iOS 19. The feature will work with the iPhone’s Translate app to translate in-person conversations in real time. For example, if someone speaks Spanish, your AirPods will relay the translation in English, and vice versa. While this feature may also support AirPods Pro 3 when they launch in 2025, it’s expected to work on existing models too.
AirPods Pro 3 Again Rumored to Offer Heart Rate Monitoring
February 7, 2025
Mark Gurman says Apple still plans to add heart rate tracking to the AirPods Pro 3. This feature is already confirmed for Powerbeats Pro 2, and Gurman believes it could make its way to AirPods Pro as well. Apple is still testing the tech, and while the Apple Watch gives more accurate results, the AirPods aren’t too far behind. The new AirPods Pro are still in early development, so a launch later in 2025 or even 2026 seems more likely.
AirPods Pro 3 May Include Heart Rate Monitoring and Temperature Sensors
December 22, 2024
Mark Gurman reports that Apple is exploring health-focused features for AirPods Pro 3, including heart rate and temperature sensing. These sensors are still in early development but could offer fitness insights without needing an Apple Watch. While internal tests show the Apple Watch is more accurate, AirPods have reportedly come close. Gurman also mentions Apple’s long-term plan to add small cameras to AirPods for future AI-powered features, though that’s still a few years away.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumored to Feature ‘Much Better’ Active Noise Cancellation
August 27, 2024
Leaker Kosutami claims the upcoming AirPods Pro 3 will offer “much better” active noise cancellation than the current generation. While no technical details were shared, this suggests a significant leap over the AirPods Pro 2, which already doubled ANC performance compared to the original. The leaker also hinted that a launch may happen “soon,” but other reports still place the release in 2025.
AirPods Pro 3 Expected in 2025 With New Design and Better Audio
August 16, 2024
A report from MacRumors claims Apple is working on a redesigned third-generation AirPods Pro, set to launch in 2025. The new model is expected to offer better audio quality, a faster H3 processor, and an updated design. While exact details are still unknown, the improvements will likely build on the current AirPods Pro 2, which already support features like Adaptive Audio, head gestures, and Voice Isolation through iOS 18.
AirPods Pro Could Feature Infrared Cameras for Vision Pro Integration
June 30, 2024
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on new AirPods with built-in infrared cameras to improve spatial experiences with Vision Pro. These IR sensors would detect head movement and environmental changes, allowing directional audio to respond as users turn their heads—enhancing the realism of spatial audio. Mass production is expected by 2026. However, it’s unclear which model will debut the feature. AirPods Pro are the most likely candidates due to their existing Vision Pro-exclusive support for lossless audio.
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Ravi Teja KNTS
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