AirPods Pro 3: Apple’s Next-Generation Earbuds Coming This September with Revolutionary Features
The Next Evolution of Apple’s Premium Earbuds
Despite AirPods Pro 2’s continued dominance in the premium wireless-earbud space, Apple is preparing to raise the bar once again with the AirPods Pro 3, expected to launch alongside the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025.
Key Features and Innovations
At the heart of the AirPods Pro 3 is Apple’s brand new H3 chip, which will not only enable new audio capabilities at launch but also promises ongoing improvements through future firmware updates. The H3 chip builds upon the success of the H2 chip found in AirPods Pro 2, which has enabled regular feature updates.
One of the most significant additions is heart rate monitoring capability. This feature will allow the AirPods to measure heart rate during workouts, though users won’t be able to capture heart rate data while streaming music to gym equipment, and Apple Watch owners may find this feature redundant.
Design and Case Improvements
The AirPods Pro 3 will feature a refreshed design, though changes may be subtle. Apple might reduce the stem size, and the charging case is expected to be slimmed down for improved portability. The case will also receive modern updates, including the removal of the pairing button in favor of an invisible capacitive button, and a hidden LED that only appears when active.
Enhanced Audio Experience
As with previous generations, Apple is set to boost audio quality with this new iteration. The AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to deliver “much better” Active Noise Cancellation capabilities compared to their predecessor. This improvement will be powered by the new H3 chip, marking an upgrade from the current H2 chip.
Future-Proof Features
The integration with iOS 26 will bring exciting new capabilities, including live translation features, though it’s currently unclear whether this will be exclusive to the new model or available to existing AirPods Pro 2 owners. Despite market maturation, Apple is expected to maintain its dominant position in the global true wireless stereo (TWS) earbud market through 2025, with forecasts indicating a 3% year-over-year increase in global TWS unit shipments.
