Apple has officially announced the AirPods Pro 3, its most advanced wireless earbuds yet, promising upgrades in sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and smart features that go beyond music.

While the AirPods Pro 3 stick with Apple’s H2 chip, they introduce a new multiport acoustic architecture with inward-facing microphones and improved airflow control.

This revamp delivers deeper bass, wider soundstage, and clearer vocals, enhanced by Apple’s custom-built driver and amplifier. Combined with Bluetooth 5.3, the Pro 3 aim to rival industry leaders in audio fidelity.

Best-in-class noise cancelling

Apple is taking aim at Bose with claims of the “world’s best in-ear ANC.” The Pro 3 feature upgraded microphones, a better acoustic seal, and advanced computational audio that reportedly cancels twice as much noise as the Pro 2.

AirPods Pro 3 earbuds in white on a white background

For passive isolation, Apple has added five new eartip sizes, each made of soft foam fused with silicone. These offer a snug fit even before ANC kicks in, making the Pro 3 a strong contender against Bose in daily environments.

Longer battery life — With a twist

The earbuds now provide up to eight hours of playback with ANC, and 10 hours in Transparency mode when used as a hearing aid.

However, total listening time with the case has dropped from 30 hours (Pro 2) to 24 hours. Apple’s reasoning: the Pro 3 earbuds last longer on a single charge, so the case may be needed less often.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds with charging case against white background

The case, lighter and slightly bigger, also introduces a new U2 chip for precise location tracking.

Smaller design and better fit

Apple has reshaped the AirPods Pro 3 for a more ergonomic fit, with inward-rotating eartips and an added XXS size option. That makes five eartip sizes in total, a welcome update for users who previously struggled with fit.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 with five eartip sizes

Smart features: Live translation

The Pro 3 are more than just audio gear. They introduce heart-rate sensors for fitness enthusiasts, upgraded IP57 water-resistance, and a new camera control button on the stems for remote photo and video capture.

Screen shots from Apple September 2025 event

The most groundbreaking feature, however, is live translation. Available in English, French, German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish at launch, this feature works with Apple Intelligence and iOS 26. Users can activate it by pinching both stems, allowing real-time translation or live transcripts on iPhone screens.