AirPods Pro 3 Official: Apple Pushes ANC, Health Tracking, and AI Features

Apple has officially unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, and this release marks one of the most significant updates to its premium wireless earbuds in years. While the standard AirPods lineup has enjoyed consistent improvements – most notably the addition of noise cancellation and USB-C charging in 2023 – the Pro series has largely remained untouched since the second-generation model dropped in 2022.

That wait ends now, and the AirPods Pro 3 are here to reset expectations.

To put the launch in context, the first AirPods Pro, introduced in 2019, were groundbreaking for their time. They brought active noise cancelation (ANC) to Apple’s earbud family, along with intuitive sensors that detected when the buds were removed from your ears and automatically paused playback. This was followed by the 2022 second-gen version, powered by the H2 chip, which pushed audio quality further, strengthened ANC, and added Bluetooth 5.3 for more stable connectivity. That generation also introduced new functionality in the charging case, including a tiny built-in speaker for easier location tracking and compatibility with Apple’s Find My app. Then in 2023, Apple quietly upgraded the Pro 2 with USB-C and dust resistance.

But enthusiasts and critics alike have been waiting for something bigger – and Apple has finally delivered

. The AirPods Pro 3 not only introduce a redesigned charging case and a refined in-ear fit, but also pack the brand-new H3 chip. This silicon powerhouse is at the heart of the improvements, enabling twice as effective noise cancellation compared to the AirPods Pro 2. Music and calls benefit from an immersive spatial audio experience, while live translation capabilities, powered by Apple Intelligence, allow wearers to communicate across languages in real time.

Health and fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the addition of a built-in heart rate sensor. Combined with IP57 water and sweat resistance, these earbuds are more versatile than ever – suitable not just for the commute or work calls, but also for the gym and outdoor workouts. Apple claims up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the case extending usage to 10 full hours before needing a recharge. This places them among the most competitive premium earbuds available in 2025, especially when considering they still retain the familiar $249 price tag.

Leaked reports ahead of the launch hinted at even more ambitious features coming in future versions, including gesture controls through miniature infrared sensors. While those may be reserved for 2026, the AirPods Pro 3 already demonstrate Apple’s clear commitment to evolving the Pro line into a multifunctional, health-aware, and AI-powered accessory.

With sleek design refinements, class-leading ANC, advanced translation tools, and subtle health tracking, the AirPods Pro 3 stand out as not just earbuds, but as an extension of Apple’s larger ecosystem. For those who have been waiting since 2022 for a real leap forward, this release proves worth the wait.