AirPods Pro 3: Everything We Know About Apple's Next-Gen Earbuds

Apple's popular AirPods Pro line is set for a major upgrade in 2025. The third-generation AirPods Pro are rumored to bring significant design changes, improved noise cancellation, and exciting new health features. Here's a comprehensive look at what we know so far about the AirPods Pro 3.

AirPods Pro 3: Design and Case Improvements

According to reliable supply chain sources, both the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds and charging case will feature a refreshed design. The new earbuds are expected to have a slimmer form factor, making them more comfortable for extended wear.

The charging case is likely to follow the design language introduced with the 4th generation standard AirPods, featuring:

• Hidden status LEDs that only appear when needed

• A front-facing capacitive pairing button instead of a physical one

• A "stealth" aesthetic that results in the smallest and lightest charging case to date

These changes align with Apple's minimalist design philosophy while improving functionality and portability.

Performance Enhancements

Advanced Audio Chip and Noise Cancellation

Apple is reportedly testing a faster audio chip for the AirPods Pro 3 that could deliver significantly improved active noise cancellation (ANC). This upgrade would build upon the already impressive performance of the AirPods Pro 2, giving Apple an edge against premium competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

The improved chip might also enable better battery efficiency and faster audio processing for other features.

Health Monitoring Capabilities

Heart Rate Measurement

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is developing an in-ear heart rate monitor for the AirPods Pro 3. Unlike the recently released Powerbeats Pro 2, which can measure heart rate during exercise but can't simultaneously stream music, the AirPods Pro 3 aims to provide seamless audio playback alongside biometric monitoring.

This feature would be particularly valuable for fitness enthusiasts who want comprehensive health tracking without wearing multiple devices.

Ear Temperature Sensor

Another exciting health feature in development is an ear temperature measurement function. This could potentially provide more accurate body temperature readings than the skin temperature estimation offered by Apple Watch Series 8 and newer models.

However, sources indicate it remains unclear whether this sensor will make it into the final 2025 product release.

Smart Features and AI Integration

Real-Time Translation

One of the most intriguing rumored features is real-time conversational translation directly through the earbuds. The AirPods Pro 3 could potentially work with the iPhone's translation app to allow users to hear translated speech in their preferred language instantly.

For example, an English speaker could hear a Spanish speaker's words translated to English in real-time through their AirPods. This feature would align perfectly with Apple's expanding AI strategy and make international communication significantly easier.

Future Innovations

Looking beyond the AirPods Pro 3, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple is testing prototypes with built-in infrared cameras to enhance spatial audio experiences. These cameras could potentially:

• Improve spatial awareness for more immersive audio

• Enable mid-air gesture controls

• Support additional AI capabilities

Gurman has also mentioned experiments with small cameras for enhanced AI functionality. While these features are high priorities within Apple, they're unlikely to appear before 2026.

Release Date and Pricing

Mark Gurman recently indicated the AirPods Pro 3 would be released in 2025, noting in February that they were "just a few months away." While some leakers have suggested a May or June reveal, Apple has historically unveiled major AirPods updates alongside new iPhones.

This pattern makes a September 2025 announcement alongside the iPhone 17 series the most likely timeframe.

As for pricing, the AirPods Pro 3 are expected to maintain the $249 price point of the current generation, despite the significant upgrades.

Should You Wait?

With the AirPods Pro 3 likely arriving in about five months, Apple users face a choice:

• The fourth-generation AirPods offer decent noise cancellation for $179

• AirPods Pro 2 deliver excellent sound quality, proven ANC, and hearing aid mode

• AirPods Pro 3 promise heart rate monitoring, real-time translation, and improved ANC

If these advanced features appeal to you, the AirPods Pro 3 could represent the most significant leap forward since the original Pro model was introduced, justifying the wait and premium price tag.