Apple is working on an updated version of the AirPods Pro, and the new earbuds are expected to see a launch in 2025, likely at the September 9 iPhone event. There are several exciting new features that are rumored for the AirPods Pro 3, and we've rounded up what we know so far.
Refreshed Design
The AirPods Pro 3 are going to get an updated design. Exactly what will be changing remains a mystery, but Apple is expected to update both the earbuds and the case to accommodate new features that are planned.
The AirPods 4 were updated with a smaller case last year, and Apple is rumored to be planning a similar change for the AirPods Pro 3. The case could be slimmed down, and the earbuds could also get a design tweak. Apple could make the stem smaller, or remove it entirely, plus the earbuds could be made smaller to make them more comfortable. The case will get a capacitive button that is not visible, much like the AirPods 4.
Better Audio Quality
Apple tends to boost audio quality with each new iteration of the AirPods, and rumors suggest that the AirPods Pro 3 will see audio improvements with better sound quality. We're also expecting further improvements to Active Noise Cancellation, and with Apple's focus on the Vision Pro headset, audio quality will be more important than ever.
The current USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2 are designed to pair with the Vision Pro and offer lossless audio, so further feature additions for the Vision Pro and subsequent headsets are a good bet.
Improved ANC
The next-generation AirPods Pro could include "much better" Active Noise Cancellation capabilities compared to the AirPods Pro 2, according to rumors. No information about how Apple will improve ANC is available at this time.
Updated Chip
The AirPods Pro 2 use the H2 chip, and the next-generation version of the AirPods Pro are expected to get an even faster chip, which Apple could call the H3 if it sticks with that naming scheme.
The current H2 chip powers everything from Active Noise Cancellation to Hey Siri, fast switching, and Adaptive EQ, so the H-series chips are key to AirPods functionality. The H3 chip's processing power could be important for health-related features rumored for the AirPods Pro, and it could bring improved range and connectivity.
Hearing Health Improvements
The AirPods Pro 2 have a Hearing Assistance feature that includes a hearing test and the option to use the AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, and this functionality will also come to the AirPods Pro 3. In the future, Apple might improve upon these features.
Health Features
The third-generation version of the AirPods Pro are expected to include health-related features like heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing. Heart rate monitoring will allow more people to access heart data for health and fitness purposes without the need for an Apple Watch, while temperature sensing can be more accurate in the ear.
AirPods 4 Features
Apple removed the physical pairing button on the AirPods 4, replacing it with a hidden capacitive button at the front. The light was also moved under the plastic of the casing, so it's more subtle when it's turned on and invisible when the LED is off.
Apple is expected to make the same change to the AirPods Pro 3.
Release Date
Apple is planning to hold an event on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time to debut new iPhones, and we expect to see the AirPods Pro 3 introduced as well.
