This release solidifies the earbud as a multifunctional hub for health, communication, and immersion. (Image: theverge.com)
Apple has just redefined the purpose of a wireless earbud. The tech giant announced the highly anticipated AirPods Pro 3, marking the first major overhaul of the flagship product in three years. Moving beyond audio, Apple has packed its newest earbuds with a groundbreaking heart rate monitor, industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and a futuristic live translation feature that feels like science fiction. Preorders for the $249 device start today, with the first units shipping on September 19th.
The headline-grabbing innovation is undoubtedly the integrated health sensor. For the first time, users can monitor their heart rate directly from their ears. Apple is using its smallest-ever custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a sophisticated piece of technology that “shines invisible infrared light pulsed at 256 times per second to measure light absorption in blood flow.”
This sensor works in concert with the earbuds' accelerometers, gyroscope, and GPS, processing data through a new on-device AI model on the iPhone to track heart rate, calories burned, and overall activity. As a result, the AirPods Pro 3 become more than just a listening device—they become a complete fitness and health tool.
The heart rate data powers a completely new experience within the iPhone Fitness app called “Workout Buddy.” Leveraging Apple Intelligence, this feature tracks your workout data and fitness history in real-time, providing personalized insights and coaching. By providing a smooth, integrated solution for audio and health monitoring while exercising, the AirPods Pro 3 now directly competes with specialized fitness devices.
Apple is making a bold claim: that the AirPods Pro 3 deliver the “world’s best ANC” of any in-ear wireless headphones. This is achieved through a dual-pronged approach:
The company states this new system delivers twice the ANC performance of the previous generation and a staggering four times the ANC of the original AirPods Pro. For commuters, travelers, and anyone seeking silence, this could be a game-changer.
Perhaps the most futuristic addition is the Live Translation feature, powered by Apple Intelligence. When enabled, it uses the ANC to lower the volume of a person speaking another language and plays the translation back to you in real-time. “When enabled, Live Translation helps users understand another language and communicate with others by speaking naturally with AirPods,” Apple explains.
For conversations with someone without AirPods, you can use your iPhone as a horizontal display, showing a live transcription of what you're saying in the other person’s preferred language. This effectively turns your earbuds into a universal translator.
Yes. Apple has redesigned the fit after a thorough investigation that involved the analysis of over 10,000 3D ear scans. Each individual AirPod Pro is now smaller and shaped to better conform to the ear canal. Together with the five new foam-infused ear tip sizes, Apple claims that this is the most snug and pleasant fit to date. Durability is also upgraded, with an IP57 rating for superior sweat and water resistance.
Also Read: Apple Event 2025 Live Streaming: iPhone 17 Series, AirPods 3 & More | Watch Live
The AirPods Pro 3 offer solid battery performance:
They are in the premium market segment and cost $249, but for those who have invested in the Apple ecosystem, the array of new capabilities makes the price point worthwhile.
This fall, Apple will release iOS 18, adding a number of new features to current models:
