The AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be Apple's biggest wireless earbuds upgrade ever. With the new H3 chip, dramatically better Active Noise Cancellation, a heart rate sensor, and advanced hearing health features, these earbuds promise to redefine what's possible with true wireless audio. Here's everything we know.
Refreshed Design
Apple is preparing a significant design refresh for the AirPods Pro 3. According to multiple sources, both the earbuds and charging case will get a makeover. The case is expected to be more compact, following the slimmed-down approach of the AirPods 4, while the earbuds themselves may get a shorter stem or go completely stemless.
A key new feature is a capacitive pairing button on the case, replacing the physical button. Following the AirPods 4 philosophy, the button will be invisible to the eye but respond to touch. The status LED will also be hidden beneath the case's plastic for a cleaner look.
The New H3 Chip
The AirPods Pro 2 run on the H2 chip. The third generation is expected to feature the H3, a new processor with significantly more computing power. This means better Active Noise Cancellation, faster switching between Apple devices, improved Adaptive EQ, and more responsive Siri.
The extra processing power is critical for Apple's planned health features — real-time heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing require continuous signal processing with minimal battery drain.
Much Better Active Noise Cancellation
According to rumors, the AirPods Pro 3 will have "much better" ANC compared to the AirPods Pro 2. ANC was already a highlight of the Pro 2, but Apple aims to push things even further.
Expect Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0, automatically adjusting to your environment with even greater precision. On a busy street, it blocks traffic noise. In an office, it filters conversations. On a plane, it neutralizes engine hum — all without manual adjustment.
High-Quality Audio & Lossless Support
Apple consistently improves audio quality with each AirPods generation. The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to feature:
- Improved custom drivers for richer bass and crystal-clear highs
- Lossless Audio via USB-C — already available on the Pro 2 for Vision Pro use
- Enhanced Spatial Audio with improved head tracking
- Personalized Spatial Audio 2.0 that maps your ears more accurately
Hearing Health & Hearing Aid Features
The AirPods Pro 2 already introduced hearing tests and hearing aid functionality for mild to moderate hearing loss. The AirPods Pro 3 will continue and improve upon these features, which have already received FDA approval.
This means millions of people can use AirPods as a medically certified hearing aid — without needing a separate device.
Health Sensors: Heart Rate & Temperature
The most exciting innovation: the AirPods Pro 3 are expected to include heart rate monitoring and body temperature sensing. These sensors will sit inside the ear, where measurements are more accurate due to proximity to blood vessels.
Heart rate monitoring gives you access to fitness data without an Apple Watch — perfect for runs, workouts, or daily health tracking. The temperature sensor could help detect fever or body temperature changes throughout the day.
Adaptive Audio & Conversation Awareness
The AirPods Pro 2 introduced Adaptive Audio — a smart blend of ANC and Transparency. The Pro 3 are expected to significantly upgrade this:
- Conversation Awareness 2.0: Detects when you're speaking or being spoken to and automatically lowers volume
- Personalized Volume: Learns your preferences based on your environment
- Smart Transition: Seamless switching between ANC, Transparency, and Adaptive modes
Pricing & Availability
The AirPods Pro 2 currently retail for around $249 / £229. The AirPods Pro 3, with new health sensors and the H3 chip, are expected to land around $269 - $299. Apple may release two versions — one with and one without health sensors — at different price points.
The launch is expected alongside the iPhone 17 in September 2025 or early 2026, with a second version following later.
Should You Upgrade?
If you have first-gen AirPods Pro: the upgrade is absolutely worth it. You'll get dramatically better ANC, USB-C, hearing health features, and health sensors.
If you have AirPods Pro 2: the upgrade depends on your priorities. If you want heart rate monitoring or even better ANC, go for it. Otherwise, you can wait.
If you don't own any AirPods Pro: the Pro 3 will be the best earbuds in the Apple ecosystem — definitely worth the wait.
