AirPods Pro 3: Exciting Upgrades and Two Big Questions Ahead

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 redefine comfort and features, but two major questions still linger for eager fans.

If you caught Apple’s recent product showcase, you know it wasn’t just about the iPhone 17 smartphone series and the shiny new Apple Watch 11 smartwatch models. Nestled among these launches was the AirPods Pro 3 headphones, quietly stealing the spotlight with upgrades that genuinely surprised even the most jaded tech watchers.

For a long while, whispers and rumors painted a rather dull picture — a modest refresh with little to get excited about, especially after three years of only incremental changes. But oh, were we in for a surprise! The AirPods Pro 3 come packed with meaningful improvements, especially in comfort, noise cancellation, battery life, and even some fresh features that go well beyond what you’d expect from mere earbuds.

The Most Comfortable AirPods Ever Made

Apple’s hardware VP, Kate Bergeron, wasn’t shy about crowning these the “most stable and comfortable AirPods in history.” How did they pull this off? By shrinking the earbud size, tweaking the shape for a snugger fit, and adding a fifth ear tip size—XXS for the tiniest ears out there.

But comfort isn’t the only star here. Active noise cancellation (ANC) gets a serious boost — Apple claims it’s twice as effective as on the AirPods Pro 2 headphones. And battery life stretches to eight hours per charge, beating the previous generation’s six hours and matching top contenders like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 headphones.

On the fitness front, a heart rate sensor joins the party, paired with IP57 water resistance and a new motivation buddy feature called Workout Buddy in the Apple Fitness app. Plus, the long-awaited real-time translation feature lets you chat effortlessly across language barriers—a game-changer for globetrotters and multi-lingual households alike.

All of this comes at a familiar price — $249 — which is lower than many premium earbuds on the market. It’s a bundle that feels like a worthy next-gen Pro-level leap.

How Do They Sound?

Now, while the physical and functional improvements are clear, the sound quality upgrades are a bit more subtle—and that’s where fans and audiophiles might hold their breath.

Before launch, some leaks suggested the AirPods Pro 3 wouldn’t deliver big leaps in sound or ANC. Apple’s official word pushes back on that for noise cancellation (twice as good as the Pro 2, four times better than the original Pro), but the sound quality claims are more measured.

Apple designed a new multi-port acoustic architecture to finely control the airflow carrying sound into your ear. Bergeron said it “transforms bass response” and “widens the soundstage,” but hardware-wise, these tweaks seem modest, at least on paper.

Real-world testing against the Pro 2 and rivals—especially with Sony’s rumored WF-1000XM6 headphones on the horizon, known for raising the audio bar—will reveal if Apple’s airflow magic truly moves the needle.

One lingering annoyance: Bluetooth audio codec support hasn’t evolved. The Pro 3 still relies on the basic SBC and AAC codecs, which can’t match the fidelity of aptX Adaptive or LDAC available on some competitors, leaving audiophiles hoping for more down the line.

Looking Ahead: Will There Be a Premium AirPods Model in 2026?

Here’s where the plot thickens. For those eyeing the Pro 3 as their next buy, a nagging question remains: will Apple introduce an even higher-end AirPods model next year?

Rumors swirl about Apple developing tiny infrared “thermal” cameras embedded inside future AirPods headphones. The possibilities here are tantalizing—gesture control, environmental scanning for smarter everyday tasks, or seamless integration with the Vision Pro headset experience.

One thing’s clear: such a model wouldn’t replace the Pro 3 but instead sit above it as a luxury flagship with futuristic features. Imagine a charging case with a touchscreen, built-in temperature sensors, or lossless audio support—now that’s the stuff of sci-fi becoming real.

For budget-conscious fans like me who can’t upgrade earbuds annually, it’s tough not to wonder if holding out for 2026 might pay off. But alas, if history is any guide, we won’t hear official news on this until well into next year or beyond.

“AirPods Pro 3 bring the most stable and comfortable fit in AirPods history, with noise cancellation twice as effective as their predecessor.” — Kate Bergeron

FAQ

• How much longer does the AirPods Pro 3 battery last compared to the Pro 2?
  The Pro 3 offers up to 8 hours of listening time per charge, which is 2 hours more than the Pro 2’s 6 hours.
• What new fitness features do the AirPods Pro 3 support?
  They include a heart rate sensor and IP57 water resistance, along with the Workout Buddy feature in Apple Fitness for advanced training guidance.
• Is the noise cancellation significantly improved on the AirPods Pro 3?
  Yes, Apple claims ANC is twice as effective as the AirPods Pro 2 and four times better than the original model.
• Do AirPods Pro 3 support higher quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC?
  Unfortunately, no. They still use the standard SBC and AAC codecs.
• Will Apple release a more premium AirPods model soon?
  Rumors suggest a possible higher-end AirPods with thermal cameras and advanced features in 2026, but no official confirmation yet.

If you’re a fan of Apple’s iconic designs and want to decorate your space, why not shop your favorite album cover posters? Check out our curated collection for some stylish vibes: Architeg Prints.