Apple introduced their latest earbuds, AirPods Pro 3. This comes with new upgrades offering high-end features to the users. For a wide soundstage and higher bass sound, they used a new custom driver architecture, which now helps to increase the airflow.
Heart-rate sensor
The new and exciting feature is the heart rate sensor. Now it is placed in the bud. Apple is using the black little bar on the bud of the neck for this. Also, for tracking users’ workouts and exercises, they used new built-in movement sensors. It can track up to 50 workouts without using the Apple Watch.
Additionally, you will receive information about your workout and feedback on what you need to improve your workout and build stronger muscles. When it comes to heart rate monitors, as mentioned, the AirPods Pro 3 now features a well-designed custom photoplethysmography sensor that can emit invisible infrared light at a rate of 256 times per second. It measures how the light is absorbed by the blood flow. The sensor is waterproof and IP57 rated. This is the smallest sensor Apple has used for monitoring heart rate.
Live Translation
This is one of the best features Apple added to the new AirPods Pro 3. Imagine translating live everything you hear over the earbuds to a familiar language. Users can now start the live translation by pinching both stems. Also, it uses ANC to reduce the sound when doing this translation.
For now, as per Apple, only 5 languages are available for live translation. They are English, German, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. And they are planning to add four more languages, Italian, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, at the end of this year.
The live transaction is based on the availability of Apple AI in your location. You can check it on support.apple.com/en-us/121115. When the earbuds live translate, you can talk back through them, and your iPhone shows you the words. This can also be used when two people share the same AirPods. They can talk via the iPhone.
Battery and charging
Battery life is improving with the new one, and now it gives 8 hours of battery life. While using the heart rate sensors, it changed to 6.5 hours of battery life. The charging case provides up to 24 hours of charging time for the buds. But it is less than the AirPods Pro 2. The case can be charged by USB-C, MagSafe, Qi, or using an Apple Watch Charger. For one minute of listening time, you only need 5 minutes of charging in the case.
Other features
To remove noise up to 2x, there is Active Noise Cancellation. Also, it uses personalized transparency for more natural and clean sounds and reduces other background sounds. When using AirPods Pro 3 has hearing aids, battery life is up to 10 hours, because users don’t want to charge it frequently. For automatic amplifying, it uses Conversation Boost, and it also cuts down the background noise.
With the swap and press touch gestures, users can now control media playback and voice adjustment. Also, you can use it as a camera remote for your iPhone; all you have to do is press and hold the gesture. With one tap, you can set up and pair.
With all those benefits, there are still aspects that need attention from Apple and improvement.
No lossless support
Apple’s Lossless tier is the one with -bit/192kHz. To reach this level, you have to use a wired system and a third-party portable DAC, and good wired headphones. Even for the lower lossless tier, you still need a wired headphone. The new AirPods Pro 3 still haven’t introduced this to their users.
No IR camera
Even though some rumours came before saying that Apple would add cameras to their AirPods, it still didn’t make it through the output. As of now, we can expect that in 2026 or 2027, new AirPods.
Also, there are no temperature sensors, and it is slightly disappointing. And the chipset is the same as before. Like the one used in AirPods Pro 2, the H2 chip.
Release date and price
People can now pre-order it, and it has been available since September 9. It will be available in the market from September 19 onwards. The price is $249, and you can place pre-orders through the Apple Online Store.