Apple's latest iteration of its premium earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, has officially debuted, bringing a suite of advanced functionalities that position them as a compelling choice for consumers. These new earbuds boast a refined design, superior noise-canceling performance, and groundbreaking integrations with health and fitness tracking, all while maintaining an accessible price point compared to competitors. This launch marks a significant step forward for Apple in the audio and wearable technology space.
The annual September event, traditionally associated with the unveiling of new iPhone models, also served as the platform for the highly anticipated release of the AirPods Pro 3. This update comes after a relatively minor refresh in 2023, which primarily focused on the adoption of a USB-C charging port for the second-generation AirPods Pro. Consequently, the third-generation model was poised for substantial enhancements, and Apple has delivered. Key improvements include an updated ergonomic design with foam-infused ear tips, doubling the active noise cancellation (ANC) effectiveness compared to its predecessor, and quadrupling it relative to the original Pro model. Furthermore, these earbuds introduce live translation capabilities and comprehensive fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, seamlessly integrating with Apple's existing Fitness app ecosystem.
A notable addition to the AirPods Pro 3 is the inclusion of heart rate monitoring technology, previously seen in the Powerbeats Pro 2. This integration, coupled with compatibility with the Fitness+ service, allows users to view live metrics directly on their iPhone, transforming the earbuds into a versatile fitness companion. This could potentially offer an alternative to traditional fitness wearables like the Apple Watch for some users. The enhanced battery performance is also a welcome upgrade, providing up to eight hours of listening time with ANC enabled, a significant improvement over the six hours offered by the previous generation. In transparency mode, the battery life extends to ten hours. Additionally, the earbuds feature IP57 sweat and water resistance, ensuring durability during intense workouts or in various weather conditions. The acoustic design has also been refined to deliver an improved spatial audio experience, enhancing immersion for music and media consumption.
The introduction of live translation is another forward-thinking feature, following hints from the iOS 26 preview that suggested such functionality for Apple's earbuds. While other wireless earbuds, such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds and Google Pixel Buds, already offer similar translation capabilities, it will be interesting to observe how Apple's implementation compares in terms of accuracy and user experience. The increased ANC and extended battery life address two of the most critical aspects for earbud users. The AirPods Pro 2 were already highly regarded for their noise-canceling prowess, with many users, including Mashable's Stan Schroeder, praising their effectiveness, even for air travel. The battery life improvement, moving from six hours to eight hours with ANC, brings the AirPods Pro 3 in line with, or even surpasses, the current industry standard for premium noise-canceling earbuds.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the AirPods Pro 3 launch is the decision to maintain the retail price at $249, matching that of the previous generation. This pricing strategy is particularly competitive given the array of new features and enhancements. When compared to other high-end earbuds on the market, such as the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and the slightly older Technics EAH-AZ1000, which retail for $299 without integrated fitness features, Apple's offering presents exceptional value. This aggressive pricing, combined with the significant technological advancements, positions the AirPods Pro 3 as a strong contender in the competitive wireless earbud market, making premium features more accessible to a wider audience.
