The AirPods Pro 3 is set to be Apple's next-generation premium earbuds. While details about it remain scarce – especially with the AirPods Pro 2 refresh hitting the shelves just last year – if you are on the lookout for the latest leaks and rumors about the AirPods Pro 3, you are in the right spot.
We are eagerly anticipating the AirPods Pro 3 hitting the shelves in 2025. Currently, there is no indication of a price hike, so the AirPods Pro 3 is expected to launch at the same price as the existing Pro earbuds.
The AirPods Pro 3 is likely to maintain the familiar white, rounded-square design we've grown accustomed to. While we can hope for some battery life improvements, the earbuds will probably still offer around 30 hours of listening time on a single charge.
Keep checking back here as we will continually update this page with the latest insights, including reliable leaks, speculations, and rumors about Apple's upcoming true wireless earbuds.
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 some minor upgrades with the AirPods Pro 3, mainly under the hood. However, with plenty of time before the earbuds hit the market, there is a chance Apple might tweak the design, which could change up the look and feel of the earbuds.
As of now, the AirPods Pro 3 will likely retain the familiar white, rounded-square plastic case design. This includes an LED on the front, a lanyard loop on the side, and a speaker on the bottom. Given that the AirPods Pro 2 already uses a USB-C charging port, it is safe to say that the AirPods Pro 3 will also switch from the Lightning port to 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
These specifications are what we can reasonably anticipate for the AirPods Pro 3. However, as always, it is wise to stay open to the possibility of new features until they are 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.
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 brought Automatic Switching for quick device changes and a new Mute/Unmute feature for easier audio control. It won't be a shock if the AirPods Pro 3 gets all these features, too.
AirPods Pro is also getting Voice Isolation tech, which boosts your voice while cutting out background noise like wind, ensuring clear calls. We are confident that all these newly introduced features will also be included in the AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods Pro 3 battery life
While we expect some enhancements in battery life, for now, the most likely scenario is that the AirPods Pro 3 will offer a similar, if not identical, promise 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 next 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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