AirPods Pro 3 introduce stronger noise cancellation, heart rate tracking, and live translation

Apple has announced AirPods Pro 3, its most advanced in-ear headphones, combining redesigned audio architecture, heart rate monitoring, workout integration, Live Translation, and extended battery life.

Upgraded sound and noise cancellation

AirPods Pro 3 use a new multiport acoustic architecture to improve airflow and deliver a wider soundstage, stronger bass, and clearer vocals.

Adaptive EQ adjusts in real time for balanced audio across music, shows, and calls. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is now up to twice as effective as AirPods Pro 2 and four times stronger than the first-generation model. Transparency mode has been refined to make voices sound more natural, and Conversation Boost activates automatically in noisy environments.

New design and better fit

The design is slimmer with a re-engineered internal architecture, making each earbud smaller and more stable. Based on more than 10,000 ear scans, Apple created five ear tip sizes, including a new XXS option.

Foam-infused ear tips improve passive noise isolation and comfort. For the first time, the earbuds are IP57 rated for sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.

Workout tracking with heart rate sensing

For the first time, AirPods Pro include a custom-built heart rate sensor. Using infrared light and on-device processing, the earbuds can measure heart rate, track calories, and integrate with the Fitness app on iPhone.

Users can start more than 50 workout types, close their Move ring, and receive motivational coaching through Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence. Fitness+ users can also see live metrics such as heart rate and calories during workouts.

Live Translation for conversations

AirPods Pro 3 support Live Translation in beta, helping users communicate across languages hands-free. When paired with iPhone, conversations are transcribed and translated in real time. ANC lowers background noise to make translated voices easier to follow.

The feature launches with English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese coming later this year.

Hearing health and longer battery life

AirPods Pro 3 expand Apple’s hearing features with automatic Conversation Boost and certified Hearing Protection in the EU and UK. The Hearing Test remains available for at-home hearing checks.

With ANC enabled, battery life reaches up to 8 hours per charge, and Transparency mode extends listening up to 10 hours — a 67% increase over AirPods Pro 2.

Sustainability and materials

AirPods Pro 3 are built with 40% recycled content, including 100% recycled cobalt in the battery and 65% recycled plastic in the case. Packaging is fully fiber-based, and manufacturing uses 40% renewable electricity as part of Apple’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal.

Availability and pricing

AirPods Pro 3 are available to pre-order now in more than 50 regions, with shipping starting September 19. Pricing begins at $249 (U.S.).

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