Apple has officially unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, the first major update to its premium wireless earbuds in three years. The new model introduces groundbreaking features like a built-in heart rate sensor, improved active noise cancellation (ANC), and a live translation tool. Preorders start today at $249, with shipping set for September 19, 2025.
Major Audio Upgrades in AirPods Pro 3
Apple is improving sound quality with a wider sound stage and a revamped ANC system. Thanks to foam-infused ear tips, the AirPods Pro 3 offer twice the noise cancellation of their predecessor. Apple claims this makes them the best ANC in-ear headphones in the world, designed to block out even the toughest background noise.
First-Ever Heart Rate Sensor in AirPods
One of the biggest innovations is the addition of Apple’s smallest heart rate sensor. The custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor uses invisible infrared light pulsed at 256 times per second to measure blood flow.
This sensor, combined with the earbuds’ accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, and on-device AI, enables advanced fitness tracking. Users can monitor heart rate, calories burned, and overall activity. The new Workout Buddy feature in the iPhone Fitness app also syncs data for a smarter workout experience.
Live Translation Built Into AirPods Pro 3
Apple is taking language barriers head-on with a live translation tool. When enabled, ANC lowers the speaker’s volume while translations play in real time through the earbuds.
For conversations, AirPods Pro 3 can display live transcription on an iPhone screen in the other person’s language. This feature makes the earbuds useful not just for travel but also for global business and everyday communication.
Improved Comfort, Fit, and Durability
Apple redesigned the AirPods Pro 3 using data from 10,000+ 3D ear scans. The result is a smaller, more ergonomic fit with five ear tip sizes for a custom seal.
Other durability updates include:
- IP57 sweat and water resistance
- Better in-ear stability during workouts and daily use
Extra Features with iOS 26 Update
Alongside the new hardware, Apple is rolling out updates for the entire AirPods lineup with iOS 26:
- AirPods can now be used as a remote for the iPhone camera.
- Studio-quality audio will be available on AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
- Call quality improvements for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4.
- Smarter charging reminders and auto-pause when you fall asleep.
Pricing and Availability
- Price: $249
- Preorders: Available today
Shipping date: September 19, 2025