Here’s a rundown of what to expect from the Apple AirPods Pro 3, including potential features and launch date.
Despite the fact that the launch details are still unconfirmed, rumors about the third-generation AirPods Pro are circulating.
We’ve compiled them all here to give you an idea of what to expect. Let’s dive in!
When Is the AirPods Pro 3 Release Date?
According to industry insiders, the AirPods Pro 3 should arrive in September to November 2025. This follows Apple’s pattern of two or three-year upgrade cycles:
| Model | Launch date |
|---|---|
| Apple AirPods (1st generation) | December 2016 |
| Apple AirPods (2nd generation) | March 2019 |
| AirPods Pro | October 2019 |
| Apple AirPods (3rd generation) | October 2021 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | September 2022 |
| AirPods Pro (3rd generation | September to November 2025 |
Apple’s Wearables division, which includes AirPods, continues to perform well in terms of sales so there’s no reason why they’ll change anything, yet.
Plus, Apple already released the Vision Pro in February 2024. This offers an advanced audio experience, with testers claiming that the spatial audio feature is more immersive than with AirPods. So, Apple will need an AirPods Pro model that can work with them.
What Will the AirPods Pro 3 Look Like?
The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to keep the sleek design of the earlier models, with interchangeable ear tips and touch controls on the stem. Most updates will be internal, like better audio technology and battery.
The charging case will continue to use a USB-C port, following the change that started with the AirPods Pro 2. This complies with European regulations that require a universal USB-C charging port to reduce electronic waste.
What Features Can We Expect From the AirPods Pro 3?
The AirPods Pro 3 will share many of the same features as the AirPods Pro 2. These include sweat and splash protection, active noise cancellation (ANC), and Personalized Spatial Audio.
On top of that, Apple might surprise fans with other software improvements. Here’s a list of rumored AirPods Pro 3 features:
- New H3 and U2 Chip: The introduction of the H3 chip is expected to enhance sound quality and ANC. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 3 case might feature a U2 chip for improved Ultra Wideband technology, leading to better Find My performance and seamless Vision Pro integration.
- Health Monitoring Features: The AirPods Pro 3 could include health monitoring capabilities, such as hearing health and body-temperature features. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, AirPods could offer a hearing test feature that plays different tones to determine how well a person can hear. They might also have sensors that monitor the heart rate via the wearer’s ear canal.
- Lossless Audio Support: With the increasing focus on high-quality audio streaming, the AirPods Pro 3 might support lossless audio formats, especially with Apple Music’s lossless and high-resolution audio.
- Improved Water and Dust Resistance: The new model could come with a better IP rating, covering both water and dust.
- Extended Battery Life: Expectations include extended battery life for both the earbuds and the charging case, due to the more efficient chip and power management technologies. Apple also has a patent for an AirPods charging case that can also serve as a wireless charger for other wearables. So, we may see this happening on the new AirPods Pro 3.
- More advanced OS Features: iOS 18 promises to bring a lot of audio enhancements. But, considering the date the AirPods Pro will arrive, we can safely assume that an iOS 19 may be in the works by then. This means even more audio enhancements, and maybe we can even see some buried Apple patents come to life. Some of the rumored features include a built-in real-time translator and even environmental sensors that can monitor for conditions such as temperature, humidity, or air quality, possibly integrating with the Health app or HomeKit for smart home automation.
- Touchscreen case display: Speaking of buried patents, Apple has a patent for an AirPods case with a touchscreen display. Here, users can access different playback controls and features without needing to take out their phones. In fact, some knockoff AirPods already have this feature. So, it wouldn’t really be surprising if this comes to the official version.
- Haptic Feedback: To enhance the tactile experience, the AirPods Pro 3 might feature subtle haptic feedback for touch controls, providing users with a more responsive and satisfying interaction.
- Better integration with the Vision Pro: The AirPods Pro 3 could provide precise, spatially aware audio that syncs perfectly with the visual content in augmented or virtual reality experiences. Expect real-time 3D audio adjustments based on head movements, enhancing immersion by making sounds appear to originate from specific locations in your AR/VR environment. Additionally, seamless transitions between Vision Pro and other Apple devices would allow for a cohesive, multi-sensory experience across the ecosystem.
What Do Users Want From the AirPods Pro 3?
Apple hasn’t released official updates about the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, but users have expressed their desires for the next generation of Apple earbuds. After reviewing forums, here are the key improvements they hope for:
- Manual firmware updates: Users have reported frequent issues with the current firmware update process and hope for a manual update option.
- Improved noise-canceling: Some users are disappointed with the ANC capabilities of AirPods Pro 2, stating they degrade over time.
- More comfortable ear tips: A few users find the AirPods Pro uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
- Additional colors: Black AirPods are a popular request, along with other color options.
Apple is unlikely to release AirPods in colors other than white, but improved ANC is almost certain given Apple’s upgrade history. Until then, we remain hopeful.
How Much Will the Apple AirPods 3 Pro Cost?
The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to be priced around $249, like previous models. However, given the possibility of upgrades, there could be a slight price increase. Despite this, Apple may maintain the current price point to stay competitive in the high-end wireless earbuds market.
A new generation of AirPods Pro could reduce the prices of older models. For instance, the first-generation AirPods Pro, originally $249, dropped to $160 by the end of 2022. They’re currently available for about $180 from some retailers.
I really want a nuclear ANC mode, no tamp downs for safety in places you know there’s no traffic. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I thought ANC would block out a lot more on my AirPods Pro 2, they leave the gym or using my lawn mower or snow thrower very loud things especially in high pitched tones.