AirPods Pro 3 Rumor Roundup: Health Sensors, H3 Chip & a Surprising Release Date

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be one of the most significant upgrades to Apple’s earbuds in years. Although Apple hasn’t officially announced these next-gen AirPods Pro, a flurry of credible rumors, leaks, and expert reports have painted a vivid picture of what to expect. From an overhauled design and advanced health sensors to improved audio powered by a new chip, the upcoming AirPods Pro 3 could bring Apple’s earbuds to a new level. In this comprehensive report, we’ll cover everything we know so far – including rumored features, expected launch timing, pricing speculation, expert quotes, and how the AirPods Pro 3 will compare to the current AirPods Pro 2.

Rumored AirPods Pro 3 Highlights: (in a nutshell)

• Release Window: Likely debut in 2025, though some analysts predict a delay into 2026 macrumors.com macrumors.com.
• Price: Expected to remain around $249 USD (like previous models), with no major price hike anticipated techradar.com macworld.com.
• New Design: A refreshed form factor for both the earbuds and charging case – potentially smaller earbuds with shorter (or no) stems and a slimmed-down case without a visible pairing button macrumors.com macworld.com. (No credible leaks of new colors, so expect the classic white finish.)
• Next-Gen Chip: An Apple H3 chip is rumored to power the buds, promising better audio quality, faster connectivity, and enhanced noise cancellation performance macworld.com 9to5mac.com.
• Audio & ANC Upgrades: Further improved sound and “much better” Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) than AirPods Pro 2, likely aided by the H3 chip macrumors.com macrumors.com.
• Health Sensors: In-ear health tracking features are expected, including a heart-rate monitor and possibly an earbud temperature sensor for fitness and wellness uses macrumors.com macrumors.com.
• Other Features: More precise Find My tracking with a new UWB chip, support for Apple’s latest Adaptive Audio and Live Translation features, and continued integration with devices like Apple’s Vision Pro headset for lossless audio macrumors.com macrumors.com.

Below, we delve into each of these areas in detail, citing the most reliable sources (Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, MacRumors, etc.) and including quotes from industry experts and leakers to separate fact from fiction.

Release Date and Launch Expectations

When will we finally see the AirPods Pro 3? Most rumors point to a 2025 launch, though the exact timing is a hotly debated subject in the Apple rumor mill. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman – a highly trusted Apple watcher – reported that the new AirPods Pro could arrive “as early as next year,” referring to 2025 techradar.com. In fact, Gurman noted in February 2025 that the third-gen AirPods Pro were “still many months away,” which would line up with a late-2025 debut (likely around Apple’s usual September iPhone event) macworld.com macrumors.com. Consistent with this, code sleuths found references to “AirPods Pro 3” hidden in Apple’s iOS 26 software beta – a strong hint that Apple is actively preparing the new model behind the scenes techradar.com 9to5mac.com. MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, for example, spotted the AirPods Pro 3 name in audio-related code, suggesting an announcement could be on the horizon techradar.com.

However, not everyone agrees on a 2025 release. In June 2025, analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities surprised observers by claiming Apple “may launch the AirPods Pro 3 in 2026,” contradicting the earlier expectations of a 2025 rollout macrumors.com. Pu’s report implies a longer wait, with the new Pro earbuds potentially coinciding with Apple’s 2026 product lineup (he even speculated they might launch alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and a refreshed Vision Pro headset in 2026) macrumors.com macrumors.com. Famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has echoed this cautious view – Kuo reported that Apple might not have any major AirPods hardware update until the AirPods Pro 3 in 2026, possibly due to development of new features like built-in cameras delaying the timeline macrumors.com techradar.com. In Kuo’s recent note, he even suggested the next significant AirPods would include infrared (IR) cameras and arrive by end of 2026, implying no AirPods Pro 3 in 2025 at all techradar.com techradar.com.

These conflicting forecasts set up a timeline tug-of-war: Will AirPods Pro 3 drop in late 2025 or slip to 2026? For now, late 2025 seems plausible given Apple’s historical cadence (the AirPods Pro 2 launched in fall 2022) and the mounting evidence in software code 9to5mac.com. Apple often unveils new AirPods models during iPhone launch events, so if development stays on track we might see AirPods Pro 3 alongside the iPhone 17 in September 2025 macrumors.com. On the other hand, if the rumored new technologies (like those IR sensors or other hardware changes) need more time, a launch could be pushed to 2026 – which would mark a four-year gap since the last major Pro revision macrumors.com.

Bottom line: Apple has kept quiet officially, but insiders like Gurman are leaning toward a 2025 release, whereas Kuo and Pu warn it might not land until 2026. The discovery of AirPods Pro 3 identifiers in iOS code suggests that Apple is actively working on the product now techradar.com. Barring unforeseen delays, a late-2025 debut remains likely – but fans should stay tuned as this timeline may evolve with further leaks.

Price Expectations for AirPods Pro 3

Despite the potential for cutting-edge features, no drastic price change is expected for the AirPods Pro 3. Industry observers predict Apple will stick close to the current pricing, meaning a launch price around $249 in the U.S. – the same price point that both the original AirPods Pro (2019) and AirPods Pro 2 (2022) carried at introduction techradar.com. Apple notably kept the AirPods Pro 2 at $249 in 2022, “hanging on at the same price as the original AirPods Pro from 2019,” even as many competing earbuds grew more expensive techradar.com. If Apple follows that strategy again, the AirPods Pro 3 would arrive at the lower end of the premium earbuds range for pricing, undercutting some rivals.

Of course, pricing can vary by region and over time. Apple does not appear poised for a major price hike on these Pro earbuds, though currency fluctuations and inflation could lead to minor adjustments in some countries macworld.com. For example, in the UK the AirPods Pro launched at £249 in 2019, dropped to £229 for the second-gen, and could conceivably return to £249 if Apple evens out international pricing macworld.com. In the U.S., however, the $249 figure has held steady and is likely to remain. As Macworld reports, “we don’t expect the price to change” for AirPods Pro 3, barring economic factors forcing Apple’s hand macworld.com.

It’s also worth noting that Apple’s expanded AirPods lineup leaves a solid $70 gap between the non-Pro AirPods 4 with ANC (around $179) and the AirPods Pro (around $249) macworld.com. This gap gives Apple some leeway – they could justify a small increase if AirPods Pro 3 pack significantly more features, but the consensus is that Apple will aim for price consistency to keep the Pro model attractive. In short, expect the AirPods Pro 3 to cost roughly the same as the AirPods Pro 2, maintaining Apple’s premium pricing without venturing into entirely new territory.

Design and Case Changes: A Refreshed Look

One of the most exciting rumors is that AirPods Pro 3 will introduce a refreshed design for both the earbuds and their charging case. Apple hasn’t significantly changed the external design since the first AirPods Pro, but multiple sources say this generation will bring a noticeable update. Mark Gurman has reported that the AirPods Pro 3 will have a “new design (as will their case)” techradar.com. What might that look like? According to MacRumors, “the AirPods Pro 3 are going to get an updated design” – potentially including smaller in-ear pieces and a shorter stem on the earbuds macrumors.com. In fact, some insiders speculate Apple could even reduce or remove the iconic stems entirely, though a complete stem-less design might or might not materialize. At minimum, slightly slimmer, more compact earbuds are on the table macrumors.com.

Changes to the charging case are also expected. Last year’s standard AirPods (4th Generation) introduced a case redesign that Apple might carry over to the Pro line macrumors.com macrumors.com. The AirPods 4 case was smaller and more pocketable, and it eliminated the physical pairing button – replacing it with a hidden capacitive sensor on the front, with the status LED hidden under the plastic shell macworld.com macrumors.com. This gives the case a cleaner look (the light is invisible when off and shines through subtly when on). Rumor has it AirPods Pro 3’s case will adopt the same tweaks, meaning a button-free design with a concealed indicator light macworld.com macrumors.com. A slimmer case profile is also likely, in line with making the whole package more compact and sleek.

As for aesthetics, don’t expect radical departures. All indications are that Apple will not introduce bold new color options or form factors for AirPods Pro 3. Despite some fans’ wishes for, say, a black or other colored AirPods Pro, insiders say Apple is sticking with the classic white for now macworld.com. The design changes seem focused on ergonomics and subtle functionality rather than flashy cosmetics. For example, Apple has been researching ways to improve earbud touch controls in various conditions – one patent granted in early 2025 describes making the touch sensors respond better even if the user is wearing gloves macworld.com. This suggests Apple is looking at tactile improvements that might debut with the new model.

In summary, the AirPods Pro 3 are expected to look familiar yet refined: slightly smaller earbuds (possibly with shorter stems), a more streamlined case (no external button, stealthy LED), and overall a continuation of Apple’s minimalist design language. Think of it as an evolution of the AirPods Pro form – sleeker and more comfortable, while retaining the signature white, stemmed earbud style (albeit with a trimmed stem). These design updates aren’t just for looks, either; they likely help accommodate some of the new internal features discussed below.

New H3 Chip and Audio Quality Improvements

Under the hood, the AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to feature a brand-new Apple H3 chip, which would be a significant upgrade from the H2 chip used in the current AirPods Pro 2. This next-generation wireless chip is expected to be the engine driving many of the improvements in audio and performance. According to Mark Gurman’s reports, the AirPods Pro 3 will indeed have a new chipset, and this should translate to better sound quality and faster processing across the board techradar.com. In fact, 9to5Mac notes that the H3 chip should bring “big upgrades to audio quality, battery life, connectivity speed, noise cancellation, Transparency Mode, and more” 9to5mac.com. Essentially, every aspect of how the AirPods operate – from how quickly they pair or switch devices, to how well they cancel noise and reproduce music – stands to benefit from the more powerful silicon inside the third-gen model.

One key area the H3 chip will influence is wireless audio performance. The AirPods Pro 2 already introduced features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive Transparency via the H2 chip’s capabilities; with H3, Apple could take this further. For example, rumor has it Apple might implement Bluetooth 5.4 (an upgrade from Bluetooth 5.3) in the new AirPods, which could reduce audio latency and improve energy efficiency macrumors.com. The H3’s extra processing power might also enable better compression or new audio codecs, potentially expanding support for higher-quality music. Notably, the current AirPods Pro 2 (with USB-C case) introduced a proprietary wireless audio mode that delivers Lossless Audio when paired with the Apple Vision Pro headset macrumors.com macrumors.com. With AirPods Pro 3, Apple could extend lossless or near-lossless audio streaming to other devices or scenarios. At the very least, improved wireless bandwidth and processing could yield crisper sound and more stable connections.

Apple itself set a precedent for how much a new chip can improve audio: when the H2 chip launched in 2022, Apple touted that it enabled the AirPods Pro 2 to cancel “up to twice as much noise” as the original model macrumors.com 9to5mac.com. That was attributed largely to H2’s advanced computational audio. Following this pattern, the H3 could similarly unlock noticeable gains in sound fidelity and noise reduction. We might see richer bass, more detailed mids and highs, or more adaptive EQ that tunes sound in real time. Battery life might also see a bump thanks to H3’s efficiency – even if Apple packs the same batteries as in AirPods Pro 2, the new chip could squeeze out longer listening time per charge (though concrete battery rumors are scarce, improved efficiency is a safe bet 9to5mac.com).

In short, the H3 chip is poised to be the technical heart of AirPods Pro 3’s upgrades. Leaks uniformly agree that a new H-series chip is coming macworld.com 9to5mac.com. For users, this should translate to a better audio experience: faster pairing, stronger connectivity, and audio quality that surpasses the already excellent AirPods Pro 2. Audiophiles and casual listeners alike have reason to be excited, as Apple continues to push the envelope on what tiny wireless earbuds can deliver.

“Much Better” Noise Cancellation and Sound Features

Ever since the original AirPods Pro, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has been a marquee feature – and it’s about to get even better. Multiple sources claim the AirPods Pro 3 will significantly boost ANC performance and overall sound features compared to the previous model. In fact, a reliable leaker known as Kosutami teased that the next AirPods Pro will feature “much better” active noise cancellation than the AirPods Pro 2 macrumors.com. That’s a strong statement, considering Apple’s current AirPods Pro 2 are already among the top noise-cancelling earbuds on the market (Apple advertises them as having double the noise-cancelling effectiveness of the first-gen Pros). If Kosutami’s info is accurate, the AirPods Pro 3 could set a new bar for silencing ambient noise – great news for commuters, travelers, and anyone who values a quiet listening experience.

This ANC improvement will likely be driven by the aforementioned H3 chip’s enhanced processing. The AirPods Pro 2’s H2 chip performs computational audio magic, checking the noise environment 48,000 times per second to filter out background sound macrumors.com. An upgraded H3 could push these capabilities further, canceling noise more aggressively or efficiently. We don’t have specifics yet on how Apple will achieve “much better” ANC – it could be via new microphones, improved algorithms, or higher fidelity processing – but the end result should be noticeably less noise seeping through when you have ANC turned on macrumors.com. This means an even quieter commute on a loud train or a more peaceful office experience with chatter around you muted to a hush.

Besides pure noise cancellation, Apple is also working on Adaptive Audio and Transparency features. In 2023, Apple introduced Adaptive Audio (which dynamically blends ANC and Transparency mode depending on your surroundings) for existing AirPods via software. The AirPods Pro 3’s stronger hardware should make these adaptive features work more seamlessly. For example, with better on-device processing, the buds could more quickly adjust to sudden loud sounds or switch to transparency when someone starts speaking to you. Expect Transparency mode to sound even more natural (letting outside voices in when needed), and features like Conversation Awareness – which lowers media volume and enhances voices when it detects you’re speaking to someone – to be further refined. Essentially, AirPods Pro 3 should be smarter about when to block noise and when to let it through, tailoring the experience in real time.

Another audio feature rumored (though now largely confirmed as a software update) was Live Translation. Early whispers suggested AirPods Pro 3 might introduce real-time language translation through the earbuds, but Apple ended up bringing live translation to all recent AirPods via iOS 26’s new Apple Intelligence features macrumors.com. So while AirPods Pro 3 will support Live Translation, it won’t be exclusive – even current AirPods Pro with a paired iPhone can do it after the iOS update. The takeaway is that AirPods are increasingly becoming a platform for software-driven audio features. With AirPods Pro 3’s superior hardware, they’ll be fully capable of running these advanced features (and likely have headroom for future upgrades too).

In summary, sound quality and noise management are getting a serious boost. One reviewer at 9to5Mac even highlighted improved ANC as their “top feature request” for AirPods Pro 3 – and rumors indicate Apple will deliver exactly that 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com. Between the leaker promises of “much better” noise cancelling and the expected benefits of the H3 chip, the AirPods Pro 3 should sound better and isolate you from noise more effectively than ever, solidifying their position as some of the best audio gear in Apple’s lineup.

Health and Fitness Features in Your Ears

Apple has been steadily transforming AirPods into health and wellness companions, and the AirPods Pro 3 are widely expected to take a big leap in this direction. Built-in health sensors are the headline here: multiple sources (including Bloomberg’s Gurman and analyst reports) say AirPods Pro 3 will likely include heart-rate monitoring capabilities and possibly even in-ear temperature sensing macrumors.com macrumors.com. This means your AirPods could double as fitness trackers, measuring your pulse and body temperature from your ears – a natural extension of Apple’s health-focused ecosystem.

The heart-rate sensor rumor gained steam when Apple’s Beats brand launched the Powerbeats Pro 2 (in February 2025) featuring optical heart rate monitors in each earbud macworld.com macworld.com. If Beats earbuds can track your heart rate during workouts, it’s a strong hint that Apple will bring the same tech to the AirPods Pro 3 (likely with an even more seamless integration). In fact, Mark Gurman reported back in 2024 that Apple was working on in-ear heart rate monitoring for AirPods, allowing users to “track heart rate while exercising without having to wear an Apple Watch.” macworld.com This suggests you could go for a run with just your AirPods Pro 3 and still get heart-rate data synced to the Health app. Given that Apple now owns the necessary sensor tech (thanks to Beats), it’s almost expected that AirPods Pro 3 will ship with a heart-rate monitor built-in.

Temperature sensing is another exciting possibility. Apple introduced a skin temperature sensor in the Apple Watch Series 8, but it’s used primarily for tracking trends (like overnight temperature changes) rather than instant fever detection, because wrist skin readings can be affected by outside conditions. However, measuring temperature inside the ear can be far more accurate and responsive – that’s how many digital thermometers work. Gurman has mentioned that Apple was researching in-ear temperature sensors and even filed patents on this technology macworld.com. Rumors say AirPods Pro 3 might include this feature macrumors.com, potentially allowing your earbuds to detect if you’re running a fever or to track your body temperature during a workout for more precise fitness data. An in-ear thermometer could alert you if your temperature is out of normal range, or help provide baselines for menstrual cycle tracking and other health insights, complementing the Apple Watch’s capabilities with a different vantage point.

Beyond new sensors, Apple is also expected to expand on hearing health features. The AirPods Pro 2 already introduced features like a Hearing Assistance test and the ability to function as basic hearing aids for those with mild hearing loss macrumors.com. These were rolled out via iOS updates and benefited all AirPods Pro 2 users. You can be sure the AirPods Pro 3 will support these as well, likely with improvements. For instance, with better microphones and processing, the AirPods Pro 3 could offer enhanced Conversation Boost (which amplifies voices in front of you) and more advanced personalization for audio based on your hearing profile. Gurman alluded to the “ability to get hearing data of some sort” being added to AirPods Pro – possibly meaning the earbuds might measure audio exposure or check your hearing over time techradar.com. Indeed, Apple’s vision is to turn AirPods into a health tool not just for fitness but also for hearing wellness, warning you of loud environments and adapting sound to your ears’ needs.

All told, AirPods Pro 3 are poised to become the most health-savvy earbuds on the market. You might get live heart rate readings in your workout apps, on-the-fly temperature checks, and continued innovations in hearing assistance – all through a device that sits in your ears. This aligns with Apple’s broader trend of health integration across its products. As one MacRumors summary put it, “health-related features such as heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing” are expected, effectively giving more people access to health data “without the need for an Apple Watch.” macrumors.com If these rumors pan out, slipping in your AirPods Pro 3 could be akin to putting on a mini health monitor – tracking your vitals, protecting your ears, and maybe even detecting a potential health issue early. It’s an ambitious leap, but one that Apple seems well on its way to achieving.

Other Rumored Features and Innovations

Aside from the headline items above, a few other interesting features have been rumored or speculated for AirPods Pro 3:

• Improved Find My Tracking: Apple is likely to upgrade the AirPods Pro 3 with its latest Ultra Wideband tech for more precise location tracking. The current AirPods Pro 2 case has a U1 chip enabling Find My with directionality. For the new model, expect Apple’s second-generation UWB chip (sometimes dubbed U2) to be included, which would make finding a misplaced case or earbuds even easier and more accurate macrumors.com. With U2, your iPhone could guide you to the AirPods with on-screen arrows and haptic feedback, similar to how AirTag tracking works but with greater precision and range.
• Integration with Vision Pro and Spatial Audio: Apple’s upcoming AR/VR headset, the Vision Pro, is closely tied to the AirPods Pro line. The AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C version) were specifically updated to support a proprietary lossless audio mode with the Vision Pro macrumors.com. It’s safe to assume AirPods Pro 3 will not only support this mode but perhaps enhance it. Some rumors from analysts like Kuo have suggested future AirPods might include new sensors (like infrared cameras) to work in tandem with Vision Pro, creating an even more immersive spatial audio experience techradar.com. An IR camera in an earbud could potentially track head/hand movements or serve as a gesture controller. However, even Gurman casts doubt on that happening in this generation – he noted that putting cameras in AirPods is “just not there yet” technology-wise, likely pushing that idea to a much later model (possibly around 2027) techradar.com. So, while AirPods Pro 3 will sync beautifully with Vision Pro for spatial audio and lag-free sound, don’t expect tiny cameras on your earbuds just yet (despite the intriguing patents).
• Adaptive AirPods features: Apple announced at WWDC 2025 some new software features that benefit AirPods users across the board. For example, Live Voice Translation (as mentioned) will let you have cross-language conversations through AirPods, and iOS 26 brings enhancements like detecting when you’re on hold or a “Workout Buddy” voice coach via AirPods macworld.com. AirPods Pro 3, launching after these updates, will of course support all such features out of the box. They might also be the testbed for any new Siri or AI-driven features Apple develops under the “Apple Intelligence” banner for audio devices.
• Crash Detection synergy: Interestingly, one Apple patent describes using motion sensors in AirPods to assist with Crash Detection (the feature currently in iPhones and Apple Watch that detects car accidents) macworld.com. It’s speculative, but if AirPods Pro 3 include more advanced motion sensors, they could theoretically help detect when a wearer has been in a collision, adding another safety dimension to the product. This isn’t a confirmed feature, but it shows the kind of ideas Apple is exploring for the future of AirPods.
• Battery and Charging: No specific leaks have detailed battery improvements, but it’s reasonable to expect at least the same battery life as AirPods Pro 2 (which is ~6 hours listening time on a charge, ~30 hours with case). If the H3 chip is more power-efficient, we could see a modest boost. The charging case will almost certainly stick with USB-C (since Apple transitioned the AirPods Pro 2 case to USB-C in 2023). MagSafe wireless charging support will remain. One rumor suggests Apple could add features like reverse charging (using an iPhone to charge the AirPods case) or even solar charging (less likely), but there’s no solid evidence of those for this model.
• No “AirPods Pro Max” yet: Some expected Apple to perhaps launch an in-ear Pro model with more advanced features or a higher price – but so far, “AirPods Pro 3” refers to the direct successor of AirPods Pro 2, not a new tier. The AirPods Max 2 (Apple’s over-ear headphones) are a separate product also rumored to be in the works, but reports indicate those might not arrive until 2027 macworld.com macworld.com. So, the focus in 2025/2026 is very much on the in-ear AirPods Pro upgrade.

Overall, AirPods Pro 3 will refine and build upon what Apple has already introduced, rather than adding wild new gimmicks. Features like precision finding, richer integration with Apple’s ecosystem (Vision Pro, iPhone, Watch), and iterative sensor improvements round out the picture of a thoroughly modern set of earbuds. And while some far-future ideas (like built-in cameras or radically new input methods) have been mentioned in analysis, those seem to be beyond the scope of the third-generation Pros according to the most credible sources techradar.com techradar.com. Apple appears to be focused on perfecting the fundamentals and health features this time around.

Comparing AirPods Pro 3 to AirPods Pro 2

How much of an upgrade will the AirPods Pro 3 be over the current AirPods Pro 2 (2022)? Based on the leaks and reports, it sounds like a significant step up. Here’s a quick comparison of what’s expected in AirPods Pro 3 versus the AirPods Pro 2:

• Chip & Performance: AirPods Pro 2 runs on Apple’s H2 chip, whereas the AirPods Pro 3 will reportedly use a new H3 chip, delivering faster processing and improved efficiency 9to5mac.com. This should enhance everything from audio quality to connectivity. (The H2 already enabled features like Adaptive Transparency; H3 will extend such capabilities further.)
• Active Noise Cancellation: AirPods Pro 2 already offered up to 2× better ANC than the first-gen, but AirPods Pro 3 is rumored to be “much better” at noise cancellation even compared to AirPods Pro 2 macrumors.com. Thanks to the H3 chip and updated algorithms, the new model should suppress ambient noise more effectively than its predecessor.
• Audio and Sound Quality: Both models boast rich sound, but AirPods Pro 3 should have an edge with its upgraded hardware. Apple is likely tuning the H3 chip for better audio fidelity, lower distortion, and possibly lower latency Bluetooth (potential adoption of Bluetooth 5.4) macrumors.com. In practical terms, music and calls on the new model could sound even clearer and more immersive, especially in Spatial Audio mode.
• Design: Visually, AirPods Pro 2 retained the design of the original (white stemmed earbuds, familiar case size). AirPods Pro 3 is expected to introduce a sleeker design – potentially a smaller in-ear footprint and shorter stems – along with a slimmed-down case macrumors.com macrumors.com. The new case likely forgoes the external pairing button in favor of a hidden touch sensor (as seen on AirPods 4) macrumors.com. No radical design change happened between Pro 1 and Pro 2, but for Pro 3 a noticeable refresh is anticipated.
• Health & Sensors: AirPods Pro 2 have no dedicated health sensors beyond the basic motion and optical sensors (though they gained hearing assistance features via software). AirPods Pro 3 are expected to add true health monitoring sensors – notably a heart-rate sensor and an ear temperature sensor – which AirPods Pro 2 lack entirely macrumors.com macrumors.com. This alone would be a major functional difference, turning the new AirPods into more of a fitness and health device than the previous model.
• Hearing Features: Both support hearing health features (like audiogram-based tuning and Conversation Boost), but AirPods Pro 3 might further improve these. For example, the new model will inherit the hearing test and assistive listening functions added to AirPods Pro 2 in iOS 17, and potentially enhance them with better hardware macrumors.com. There’s talk of AirPods Pro 3 providing even more hearing data, whereas AirPods Pro 2 introduced the feature set.
• Find My & UWB: AirPods Pro 2’s case includes a U1 chip for precision finding in the Find My app. AirPods Pro 3 will likely feature the newer UWB chip (U2) for even more precise tracking macrumors.com. This means if you misplace the new case, your iPhone’s Find My will guide you to it with improved accuracy compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
• Battery Life: Official battery life might remain similar (for AirPods Pro 2 it’s ~6 hours listening, 30 hours with case). If the H3 chip is more efficient, AirPods Pro 3 could see a small boost in battery longevity, but as of now rumors don’t indicate a dramatic difference. Both generations support MagSafe and wireless charging, though AirPods Pro 2 switched to USB-C in 2023 – and naturally AirPods Pro 3 will use USB-C as well for wired charging.
• Price at Launch: AirPods Pro 2 launched at $249 USD. AirPods Pro 3 is expected to launch at roughly $249 as well, with no big price hike techradar.com. So consumers can anticipate paying about the same for the new model as they did for the 2022 version, making the upgrade decision more about features than cost.

In essence, the AirPods Pro 3 will build on AirPods Pro 2’s strengths while adding meaningful new capabilities. The second-gen Pros brought improvements like Adaptive Transparency, better ANC, and a MagSafe case with Find My – all of which the third-gen will retain and refine. But AirPods Pro 3 will distinguish itself with a faster chip (H3), new health sensors, stronger noise cancelling, and a fresh design that the old model doesn’t have. It’s a classic Apple pattern: maintaining what works (great sound, comfort, seamless iPhone integration) and layering on new tech to keep the AirPods Pro as the gold standard of wireless earbuds.

Final Thoughts

While we await Apple’s official announcement, the AirPods Pro 3 rumors paint an exciting picture. Credible sources from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and various Apple insiders all agree that major upgrades are in store – even if they differ on when we’ll get them. Whether the launch comes in late 2025 (as many expect) or in 2026 (as some caution), it’s clear that Apple is preparing an AirPods Pro refresh that focuses on better audio, better noise cancellation, and breakthrough health features. As The TechRadar team aptly put it, Apple’s “big push towards health-tracking with AirPods” is now in full swing, with heart-rate monitoring already proven in Beats earbuds and headed to the AirPods Pro 3 techradar.com techradar.com.

In the meantime, the current AirPods Pro 2 remain a strong offering, and Apple has even been enriching them with new software features (like Adaptive Audio) to keep users satisfied. But if you’re eyeing an upgrade, the AirPods Pro 3 look to be worth the wait. With “significantly improved” ANC, a new design, an H3 chip, and possibly the first-ever health sensors in AirPods macrumors.com macrumors.com, this third generation could redefine what wireless earbuds can do. As always, we’ll have to wait for Apple’s official event to see which rumors pan out. Until then, keep your AirPods charged – the next version is gearing up to make a splash in the earbuds market, likely ensuring Apple stays “the dominant force” in the wireless audio space for years to come macrumors.com.

Sources: The information in this report is compiled from reputable industry sources and news outlets, including MacRumors macrumors.com macrumors.com, Bloomberg techradar.com, 9to5Mac 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com, Macworld macworld.com macworld.com, and others, as cited above. All rumors and quotes are the latest available as of mid-2025, and we’ll continue to update as new leaks or official details emerge. Keep an eye (and ear) out for Apple’s announcement – the AirPods Pro 3 are coming, and they aim to set a new benchmark for Apple’s best earbuds. techradar.com macrumors.com