Apple has announced the AirPods Pro 3, the first big update to its premium earbuds in three years. The new model introduces heart rate monitoring, stronger noise cancellation and real-time translation. Preorders opened on Tuesday at $249 in U.S. and at £249 in UK, with deliveries starting on September 19.
Noise Cancellation Takes a Step Forward
Apple says the AirPods Pro 3 feature its most advanced noise cancellation to date. The earbuds use new foam ear tips that block out more background sound before digital processing kicks in. According to the company, this allows for twice the noise reduction compared with the last version. The drivers have also been updated, giving a wider soundstage and clearer playback across music, video and calls.
Health Features Built In
For the first time, AirPods will be able to track your heart rate. Each earbud has a small infrared sensor that measures blood flow. The readings combine with motion data, GPS and on-device AI to calculate heart rate, calories burned and activity levels.
All of this links directly to the iPhone’s Fitness app. A new feature called Workout Buddy will log training sessions and provide tailored insights using Apple’s artificial intelligence system. It is the first time Apple has added a fitness tool to its AirPods, extending the product’s role beyond sound.
Translation in Real Time
Another new addition is live translation. With the feature switched on, the earbuds lower outside noise and translate speech into the listener’s chosen language almost instantly. If text is more useful, the iPhone can display a live transcript in another person’s language. Apple says the aim is to make conversations more natural without having to rely on separate apps or devices.
Design Tweaks and Durability
Apple has also reworked the design. The company says it studied more than 10,000 3D ear scans to improve fit. The AirPods Pro 3 are slightly smaller than before and come with five sizes of ear tips. They are also tougher, carrying an IP57 rating that protects them from sweat, dust and water. That makes them more suitable for exercise and outdoor use.
Broader AirPods Updates
The launch of the AirPods Pro 3 coincides with the release of iOS 26. The update brings new features to the wider AirPods range. All AirPods will be able to act as a remote control for the iPhone camera. Owners of AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 will also see improvements, including studio-quality audio, clearer calls and charging reminders. A new smart pause function will stop playback if the earbuds detect the user has fallen asleep.
Building on Earlier Models
The AirPods Pro line last received a major refresh in 2022, when Apple introduced the second generation with stronger audio and a charging case that included a speaker. A smaller update followed in 2023, adding USB-C charging and improved dust resistance. The AirPods Pro 3 mark the biggest leap since then, bringing in health monitoring and translation tools alongside the expected sound improvements.
