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Apple has launched the AirPods Pro 3, its first major upgrade to the Pro line in three years, at the September 9 event. Priced at $249, the new earbuds will begin shipping from September 19. With a stronger focus on sound quality, fitness tracking and real-time translation, the AirPods Pro 3 arrive as a direct successor to the AirPods Pro 2, which debuted in 2022 and saw only a minor USB-C update last year.
Price and availability
The AirPods Pro 3 launch at the same $249 price point as their predecessor. Apple has removed the AirPods Pro 2 from its official store, though they remain available via third-party retailers at discounted rates, often dropping below $149.
While both models shared the same official retail price at launch, the Pro 2 now stands as the more affordable option for buyers unwilling to stretch to Apple’s latest technology.
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Sound and noise cancellation
Apple has reworked the audio architecture in the AirPods Pro 3 with a multi-port acoustic system and a next-generation Adaptive EQ, designed to expand the soundstage, deepen bass and sharpen mids and highs.
Noise cancellation has also seen a clear jump. The Pro 3 deliver double the active noise cancellation (ANC) performance of the Pro 2, while transparency mode produces a more natural listening experience.
The AirPods Pro 2, while still strong on ANC, fall short of the sharper detail and suppression offered by the newer model.
Fit, design and durability
Both models retain Apple’s stem-based in-ear design, but the AirPods Pro 3 introduce a refined ergonomic shape and five sizes of foam-infused ear tips, including a new XXS option for smaller ears.
Durability has also improved. The Pro 3 carry an IP57 rating, making them more resistant to dust, sweat and water than the Pro 2’s IP54 certification. For fitness and outdoor users, this is a meaningful upgrade.
Battery and charging
Battery life has been extended on the Pro 3, with up to eight hours of playback on a single charge with ANC on and 10 hours in transparency mode. By comparison, the Pro 2 manage six hours with ANC.
Both models ship with a MagSafe charging case that supports USB-C, Qi wireless and Apple Watch charging. However, the Pro 2 still offer longer total case-assisted battery life - up to 30 hours, compared to 24 hours on the Pro 3.
Fitness and health features
The biggest difference lies in fitness tracking. The AirPods Pro 3 introduce Apple’s smallest ever heart-rate sensor, built on PPG technology, enabling users to monitor heart rate and calorie burn across 50 workout types via the Apple Fitness app.
A new Workout Buddy feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, provides live coaching and personalised goals.
The AirPods Pro 2, by contrast, do not offer any biometric tracking.
Live translation
Another standout feature of the Pro 3 is Live Translation. At launch, they support English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, with more languages including Italian, Japanese, Korean and Simplified Chinese rolling out later this year. This feature allows real-time conversation translation through the earbuds, while transcripts appear on the paired iPhone. The Pro 2 lack this capability.
The AirPods Pro 3 are the most advanced earbuds Apple has built, combining double ANC performance, improved fit, IP57 durability, fitness tracking and live translation. The AirPods Pro 2 remain capable and are now more affordable, making them a strong value choice. But for anyone seeking Apple’s most complete earbuds experience, the Pro 3 stand out as the clear upgrade.
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