Apple today unveiled the Apple AirPods Pro 3, promising incredible sound quality, the world’s best active noise cancellation for in-ear headphones, exceptional fit and stability, heart rate monitoring during workouts, and longer battery life. These headphones aren’t just an upgrade—they’re your new personal trainer, translator, and guardian against the chaos of the world.
Imagine running through the park, your heart pounding like a drum at a rock concert, but instead of wearing a watch, your heartbeat is whispered directly into your ear. Or sitting on a crowded train, where the ANC swallows up the noise like hunger after five years of dieting. Apple is at today's event in Cupertino, September 9, 2025 Apple unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, proving that the world's most popular headphones are still one step ahead of the competition - or rather, one step into your pocket. Three years after the second generation, these headphones are an evolution that blends sound, health and magic in one small package. While the competition continues to add unnecessary LED lights, Apple remains true to minimalism: why have a disco in your ears when you can measure your heart rate and translate conversations in real time? The irony? These headphones, once just for listening, are now becoming your personal doctor, traveler and DJ - all at the same time.
John Ternus, senior vice president of Apple hardware, said: “With Apple AirPods The Pro 3 takes the most popular headphones forward, with great sound and the best ANC of any wireless in-ear headphone.” And while Apple loves its “magic” tricks, this time it’s about serious innovation that could change how we experience everyday life. In this article, we reveal all the official details from the launch and why these headphones could be the thing you need for fall 2025 – or at least for your next run.
New design: Smaller, more stable and adapted to most people
Apple has always known how to keep things sleek and simple, but this time they've gone even further—with a design based on over 10,000 ear scans and 100,000 hours of user research. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are now smaller, with a new internal architecture that makes them more compact, while the outer edges of the ear tips are aligned with the center of the body for better stability. The result? Headphones that stay put while you run, HIIT, yoga, or whatever chaos we call everyday life.
The new foam-infused earbuds come in five sizes, including a new XXS, which means they'll fit most people like a glove—or rather, like an ear to an ear. The added durability of IP57 sweat and water resistance means you can wear them in the rain or during intense workouts without fear of them becoming a prized fish in the aquarium. It's funny how Apple loves these little changes: There's no longer a physical connection button, but a capacitive tap sensor, and the LED indicator is hidden beneath the surface and only lights up when active. Because who needs lights 24/7? These tricks make the AirPods Pro 3 more portable and comfortable, ideal for those who wear them all day. And while the design isn't a complete revolution, it's refreshing enough to remind you: Apple doesn't change things just because they can, but because they have to be better—and more stable.
Advanced features: From ANC that blocks twice as much noise, to heart rate and translation
Here comes the crux of the story – and what a crux! AirPods Pro 3 are not just headphones, but an entire ecosystem of audio wonders. A new multiport acoustic architecture precisely controls airflow into the ear, enabling an exceptional spatial listening experience. With next-generation adaptive EQ, bass response is transformed, the soundstage is expanded so you can hear every instrument, and vocals become crystal clear – whether in music, movies, or calls. Personalized Transparency mode makes your voice and the voices around you sound more natural than ever, so you stay connected to your surroundings without missing a beat.
The world's best active noise cancellation (ANC) for in-ear headphones? Yes, please! With ultra-low-frequency microphones, advanced computational audio, and new foam tips, they block up to twice as much noise as AirPods Pro 2—and four times more than the original! Imagine: on the subway, you only hear your podcast, not the chaos around you. And if you listen with ANC, you get up to eight hours of music playback—33 percent more than before. Ironic, right? While we still carry our phones in our hands, Apple wants headphones to “eat” the world.
For exercise? AirPods Pro 3 have Apple's smallest custom heart rate sensor, which shines invisible infrared light 256 times per second to measure the absorption of light in your bloodstream. Combined with the accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS and AI model on your iPhone, you can track over 50 types of workouts, measure heart rate, calories, complete Move laps and earn rewards in the Fitness app. With your iPhone and headphones, you get Workout Buddy, a motivational buddy powered by Apple Intelligence that generates personalized insights. And for Apple Fitness+ users? Real-time metrics like heart rate, calories and a Burn Bar right on the screen. Perfect for those who hate wearing a watch but want to know whether you're closer to a marathon or the couch.
Let's not forget Live Translation: in beta, it allows personal communication in English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish - soon also in Italian, Japanese, Korean and Simplified Chinese. Speak naturally, the headphones translate in real time; if the other person doesn't have AirPods, use the iPhone as a transcription screen. Meanwhile, ANC mutes the other person's voice so you can focus on the translation. And for your hearing? An expanded experience with noise reduction, Hearing Test, automatic Conversation Boost in noisy environments and 67 percent longer battery life in Transparency mode - up to 10 hours per charge.
The H3 chip allows for future firmware updates, so the headphones will be relevant for years to come. Sure, Apple wraps this in a layer of magic, but in reality, it's a step towards smarter devices that "listen" to your body and the world around you.
Price and Availability: How much will this luxury cost?
As expected, Apple isn't exactly known for its cheap surprises. The AirPods Pro 3 will cost €249 ($249), the same price as the previous generation—a good deal considering all the new features and inflation. They're not cheap, but for Apple fans, it's a small step towards perfection. If you own an older AirPods, check out the store for discounts on used models.
Availability? Pre-orders start today, September 9, 2025, with shipping and general availability starting September 19Available in white, with new colors coming later – because who doesn't like a little variety in a gray world? And if you're skeptical, iOS 26 will bring more than automatic sleep pauses or a camera remote.
Environmental aspect: 40 percent recycled material for green ash
Apple doesn't forget the planet: AirPods Pro 3 include 40 percent recycled materials, including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery and 65 percent recycled plastic in the case. Powered by 40 percent renewable electricity, like wind and solar, they’re designed for longevity, energy efficiency, and safe chemistry. The paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-free and easily recyclable—part of Apple’s 2030 plan to be carbon neutral by the end of the decade.
Why should you consider upgrading – or not?
In a world where technology becomes obsolete faster than a fad, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 represent a solid update that isn't revolutionary, but adds value that you'll notice. If you still have the original AirPods Pro, it's time to upgrade—the heart rate and dual ANC will transform your workout routine and your everyday life. But if you're happy with the current ones, maybe wait for the 2026 version with the IR gesture camera; Apple is planning two versions.
In short, these headphones are like that friend who always knows what you need: silence, health, and a good beat. And while Apple loves secrets, this time they've revealed enough to make us curious - and a little poorer. What do you think, is it worth it?
