The AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be Apple's next major release in the premium wireless earbud category. While the specifics are still under wraps, you have come to the right spot for the freshest leaks and rumors.
Expected to launch in the fall of 2025, there is no word yet on any price hikes, so they will probably be priced close to the current AirPods Pro model.
You can count on the signature white, rounded-square design sticking around. As for battery life, while we would love to see some improvement, it is likely to stay around the 30-hour mark per charge – which is still pretty good.
There is also buzz about Apple making these earbuds more health-focused, with potential features like body temperature monitoring and heart rate tracking.
Keep checking back for more updates, as we will be sharing all the latest leaks, rumors and speculations about Apple’s upcoming true wireless earbuds.
The AirPods Pro 3 could launch in just a few months, likely in late summer or in the fall. There is a chance it could launch alongside the upcoming iPhone 17 series, but Apple might surprise us with an earlier release.
Trusted source Mark Gurman previously mentioned a potential 2025 release, so we can rest easy knowing the Pro model is coming this year. And it is definitely about time – after all, the AirPods Pro 2 dropped back in 2022. Sure, it got some updates later, like the addition of a USB-C port, but it is time for a new model to hit the shelves.
Here is a glimpse at the possible release timeline:
Device
Release date
AirPods Pro
October 30, 2019
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
September 23, 2022
AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
September 2025*
* - probable dates
AirPods Pro 3 price
We expect the AirPods Pro 3 to cost $249, just like its predecessor, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). While price adjustments, whether up or down, are always a possibility, it all depends on how significantly different the AirPods Pro 3 may be from the 2nd-gen. However, at present, there is nothing to indicate that this will be the case.
Device
Price
AirPods Pro
$249
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
$249
AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
$249*
* - anticipated prices
AirPods Pro 3 design
Given how Apple approached the first and second-gen AirPods Pro, we are probably in for upgrades mainly under the hood.
The AirPods Pro 3 will likely stick with the familiar white, rounded-square case design we are used to. Look for an LED on the front, a lanyard loop on the side and a speaker at the bottom. Since the AirPods Pro 2 already made the switch to USB-C, it is certain the AirPods Pro 3 will follow suit and ditch the Lightning port in favor of USB-C.
Moreover, since the next generation will likely include wireless charging, Apple might opt to exclusively feature wireless charging, potentially eliminating the need for a physical charging port altogether.
Regarding the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, we can anticipate something quite similar, if not identical, to the 2nd-gen AirPods (shown for reference). This includes small white plastic earbuds with a few black and metallic elements, rubber ear tips (available in four sizes), and a stem that is touch-sensitive, or more accurately, squeeze-sensitive.
Apple will likely aim to make the earbuds and their case smaller, but we will have to wait and see if that is indeed the case.
AirPods Pro 3 hardware and specs
Here is what we can likely expect from the AirPods Pro 3, though I think it is always a good idea to stay open to the possibility of some surprises until everything is officially confirmed:
Apple H3 headphone chip
Apple U2 chip in MagSafe Charging Case
Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4) for AirPods Pro 3 earbuds and charging case
Wireless charging with MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, or any Qi-certified chargers
Additionally, renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman adds that the tech giant is underway to integrate sensors into AirPods for measuring body temperature through the wearer's ear canal. This method might offer greater accuracy compared to wrist temperature measurements done by, for example, the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra models.
A recent report backs up these predictions, suggesting that future AirPods models will emphasize health features. Building on the Apple Watch's success, it looks like Apple wants to position AirPods as an essential tool for health management.
Moreover, last year, Apple rolled out a software update for the AirPods Pro 2. It brought some neat features like:
Adaptive Audio, which blends Transparency mode and Noise Cancellation based on your surroundings
Personalized Volume feature, which tweaks your media using AI
Conversation Awareness, which adjusts the volume during chats.
The update also introduced Automatic Switching for seamless device transitions and a handy Mute/Unmute feature for simpler audio control. It is likely the AirPods Pro 3 will include these features as well.
AirPods Pro is also set to introduce Voice Isolation, a feature that sharpens your voice and drowns out distractions like wind, making calls sound crystal clear.
AirPods Pro 3 battery life
We are expecting some battery life improvements, but for now, it seems the AirPods Pro 3 will likely stick to a similar – if not identical – claim of up to 30 hours of listening time on a single charge.
Keeping in mind how the AirPod Pro 2 performs, we can expect the next-gen to offer up to 6 hours of standalone listening time on a single charge (up to 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking enabled). When used with the case, you can enjoy a total of up to 30 hours of listening time and up to 24 hours of talk time.
Should you wait for the AirPods Pro 3?
You should wait for the AirPods Pro 3 if you are not in a rush to get new earbuds. And if you have got the original AirPods Pro and haven’t upgraded to the second generation yet, it might be smart to hang tight and go straight for the third-gen when they drop.
You should not wait for the AirPods Pro 3 if you are looking to get new earbuds right away. They might not hit shelves until later this year. And if you already have the upgraded AirPods Pro 2, you probably won’t need to upgrade anytime soon.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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