Latest Updates on Apple AirPods Pro 3: Comprehensive Insights Revealed
Imagining the Arrival of the AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 2 might've ruled the wireless earbuds market for a hot minute, but the buzz is all about the masterful, yet elusive, AirPods Pro 3. These bad boys, the long-awaited follow-up to Apple's iconic audio accessory, have been heating up the grapevine, and here's the scoop.
We've been thinking about these beauties for quite a while now, and the tension is mounting. With the AirPods Pro 2 popping up during the beginning of 2022, the last update we've received was a slight refresh in 2023 that included MagSafe charging and USB-C compatibility. However, the craving for a real upgrade is stronger than ever.
Many, including ourselves, believe that a genuine third-gen model is just around the corner, with signs pointing more aggressively towards a hardware refresh in 2025—and potentially as soon as September.
Whispers of the Big Debut
The whispers in the tech crowd suggested we might catch a glimpse of new AirPods at WWDC 2025, maybe even teamed up with an advanced AirTag. Unfortunately, nothing spilled out during the event. If it had, Apple might have been setting the stage to introduce a new software interface that allows third parties to offer novel functionalities for the ' buds.
Nevertheless, Apple has historically kept the AirPods' reigns tight and only manages them via settings within their own software. A September announcement, coinciding with the unveiling of the next iPhone, seems more plausible.
When Will They Reveal the AirPods Pro 3?
The gap between the first and second generation of the AirPods Pro was a cool three years, from their debut in 2019 to the resurgence in 2022. Some rumors suggest the new AirPods Pro have been delayed until 2026, according to analyst Jeff Pu. However, references to the AirPods Pro 3 found in the iPhone's iOS 26 operating system source code suggest that these marvels may make their way into our ears this year.
What the Rumors Whisper
Gossip and chatter have centered around one essential AirPods Pro 3 feature: enhanced sensors. The belief is that Apple will incorporate a state-of-the-art sensor suite, capable of tracking temperature and heart rate, at the very least. Apple even filed a patent for this technology back in 2017, and given that the Apple-owned Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 come equipped with heart rate sensors, this seems like a potential winner.
While one of the wilder rumors floats around the idea of an embedded camera, it doesn't appear to be a premiere feature for the third-gen AirPods Pro. It's more about real-time hand gesture tracking, serving as an alternative to using the earbuds' onboard controls or as an alternative to Siri for controlling functions on an iPhone. This rumor seems less feasible for the upcoming AirPods Pro 3.
What We're Hoping For
Additional sensors in the AirPods Pro 3 make sense. Given that Apple is already invested in health and fitness via the Apple Watch, having additional health data via the AirPods can make health tracking more precise and valuable. However, I'd love to see improvements to accommodate the original AirPods' wireless music mission.
My top priorities include:
- Increased battery life: While the current six hours are sufficient, other companies have demonstrated that the runtime can be much longer. Who could ever decline extra battery life?
- True Bluetooth multipoint: Currently, you can easily switch between your Apple devices, thanks to iCloud. However, if you are bogged down by a Windows laptop, there is no way to keep the AirPods Pro connected to both your iPhone and your computer simultaneously.
- Access to Bluetooth Auracast broadcasts: It would be great if Apple provided the AirPods Pro 3 with this capability, either within iOS or on the earbuds themselves.
- Release of lossless audio: Apple previously teased this feature, but it only works with the Vision Pro AR headset. I'd like to see this roll out so that it works with iPhones.
- An upgraded chipset: The next upgrade could give Apple the chance to improve audio quality, bring enhanced features, and extend battery life, too.
- Implementation of a 3.5mm audio jack: Allow us to plug the AirPods Pro 3 charging case into a 3.5mm analog audio source and use the case as a wireless transmitter. Numerous other brands, like Bowers & Wilkins, LG, JBL, and Jabra, have already provided this feature on current and previous wireless earbuds.
When Will the AirPods Pro 3 Hit the Markets and How Much Will They Cost?
Most sources point to a September or fall 2025 release, which aligns with the rumors. The potential cost remains around the same price tag of $249, but with the constant ups and downs in the economy (and political sparring matches), only time will tell if Apple sticks with the price for the AirPods Pro 3. Strap on your headphones and stay tuned!
- The upcoming AirPods Pro 3 may revolutionize the wireless earbuds market, pushing smartphones and other gadgets to keep up with its advanced technology.
- The rumored enhanced sensors in the AirPods Pro 3, such as heart rate and temperature tracking, could make it a must-have device for tech enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike.
