7 Reasons Not to Buy AirPods Pro 3: Disappointment Instead of an Upgrade?

Thinking of upgrading? Here are 7 solid reasons why AirPods Pro 3 might not be the upgrade you expect.

A Closer Look at AirPods Pro 3

When Apple unveiled the iPhone 17, they also introduced the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3. Before the event, leaks hinted at major design changes, including much shorter stems, but that didn’t materialize. Instead, Apple rolled out some promising features: Live Translation, improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), longer battery life, and heart rate sensors.

On paper, these updates sound like a fan’s dream come true. But a deeper dive into the specs reveals 7 surprising reasons why sticking with your AirPods Pro 2 might be the wiser choice.

Live Translation: Handy but Not Exclusive

One of the standout new features is Live Translation—a tool that some rival brands have been offering for a while. As the name suggests, it lets you translate spoken language in real-time. AirPods Pro 3 use their built-in mics to catch foreign phrases, translate them into your preferred language, activate ANC to mute the original voice, and then play the translated audio right into your ears.

This feature supports English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish from the get-go, with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese scheduled for later this year. If your conversation partner doesn’t have AirPods, your iPhone can show translations and even read them aloud.

But here’s the kicker—this isn’t exclusive to AirPods Pro 3. Users with AirPods 4 (with ANC) or AirPods Pro 2 already have access to Live Translation. So, if you’re eyeing the latest buds mainly for this feature, you might want to hold off.

The “H2” Chip: Old Tech in New Packaging

Apple’s new software capabilities usually depend on the chip powering the device. For example, Apple Watches Series 9, 10, and 11 share similar chipsets, which explains their shared features.

The AirPods Pro 2 launched with the H2 chip in late 2022. Naturally, many expected the AirPods Pro 3 to pack an upgraded H3 chip. Surprise: AirPods Pro 3 still run on the H2 chip.

This means both Pro 2 and Pro 3 will receive the same feature updates and, when Apple eventually stops supporting the H2 chip, both will lose updates simultaneously—even though Pro 3 is three years newer. Paying a premium in 2025 for 2022 tech? Not exactly a sweet deal.

Battery Life: More Playtime but Less Total Juice

Apple proudly boasts that AirPods Pro 3 deliver up to 8 hours of continuous playback, a notable jump from the 6-hour limit of the Pro 2. For such tiny earbuds, that’s impressive.

However, Apple conveniently omitted mentioning that the charging case’s capacity dropped. The Pro 2 case can power up to 30 hours of listening time on the go, while the Pro 3’s case offers just 24 hours.

Personally, I rarely listen for more than 6 hours straight, and charging the earbuds inside the case is easy. But when you look at the overall number, the Pro 3 actually backs you up less in total listening time. So, that’s definitely a downgrade in disguise.

Heart Rate Sensor: Why Bother If You Have an Apple Watch?

A new hardware feature in the AirPods Pro 3 is the heart rate sensor nestled in each earbud, similar to Powerbeats Pro 2. It lets you track your pulse during workouts in compatible fitness apps.

But here’s the thing: if you’re reading this, chances are you already own an Apple Watch. Those watches do a much better job gathering heart data—not just during workouts but all day long. So, the heart rate sensor on the earbuds becomes rather redundant.

Truly Wireless? Not Quite

Since Apple switched from Lightning to USB-C, I’ve sprinkled several charging cables throughout my home. Whether it’s my iPhone or iPad, charging is seamless wherever I am.

And I’ve always loved that Apple included charging cables with their devices—it saves you from having to shell out cash every time a cable frays.

Sadly, this generosity ends with AirPods Pro 3. There’s no charging cable included in the box. If you need one, it’s an extra purchase.

Sound Quality: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

When it comes to sound, if you already own AirPods Pro 2, you might want to stick with them for now. The audio experience isn’t a game-changer in the Pro 3.

If you’re new to AirPods or upgrading from an older model, hunting for deals on AirPods Pro 2 might be smarter. Retailers often slash prices as Apple phases out older models, so you could snag a pair well under the $249 tag—making it a more wallet-friendly yet satisfying choice.

Next-Gen Controls on the Horizon

One last reason to pause before splurging on AirPods Pro 3: rumors swirl about a fresh iteration set for fall 2026. This upcoming model might pack IR cameras for gesture control, allowing you to wave your hand in the air to manage playback instead of pressing the stems.

To support these new controls, Apple could introduce a more powerful H3 chip, keeping the earbuds relevant for years to come.

Sure, this future model might cost more than the current $249 price tag, but the upgraded features could justify the premium. Our advice? Especially if you’re rocking an Apple Watch, wait for the next wave or grab AirPods Pro 2 for now.

Live Translation isn’t exclusive to AirPods Pro 3. Users with AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2 already have it.

— Experienced Apple observer

FAQ

• What languages does Live Translation support on AirPods Pro 3?
  It supports English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish now, with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese coming later this year.
• Do AirPods Pro 3 offer better battery life than Pro 2?
  They offer longer continuous playback (8 hours vs. 6 hours), but the charging case holds less total power, decreasing total listening time from 30 to 24 hours.
• Is the heart rate sensor on AirPods Pro 3 useful if I have an Apple Watch?
  Not really; Apple Watches provide more comprehensive heart rate tracking throughout the day.
• Does the AirPods Pro 3 box include a charging cable?
  No, Apple no longer includes a charging cable with AirPods Pro 3—you’ll need to buy one separately.
• Should I upgrade to AirPods Pro 3 or stick with Pro 2?
  If you already own Pro 2, it might be better to wait or find a good deal on Pro 2 instead of upgrading to Pro 3 right now.

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