The clue to the AirPods Pro 3’s existence came from researcher Aaron Perris, who spotted a subtle but telling change in a recent software release, AppleInsider noted. A text string that previously referenced “AirPods Pro 2nd generation” was updated to read “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” indicating Apple is preparing its software for a new model. This isn’t a speculative rumor but a direct hint from Apple’s own code, aligning with expectations of a fall 2025 launch, likely alongside the iPhone 17 series in September, per 9to5Mac. The timing fits Apple’s historical pattern, as the original AirPods Pro launched in October 2019 and the second generation in September 2022, suggesting a roughly three-year upgrade cycle.
Rumored Features and Upgrades
While Apple remains tight-lipped, leaks and rumors paint a picture of meaningful improvements for the AirPods Pro 3. A key upgrade is the anticipated H3 chip, expected to enhance processing power, noise cancellation, and audio quality, according to Geeky Gadgets. The H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 already doubled active noise cancellation (ANC) performance over the original; leaker Kosutami suggests the H3 could make ANC “much better,” potentially rivaling top competitors like Sony’s WF-1000XM5. Improved audio drivers and a high dynamic range amplifier are also rumored, with support for lossless audio—a feature currently limited to Apple Vision Pro pairings—being a major draw for audiophiles, TechRadar reported.
Health monitoring is another frontier. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed Apple is exploring heart rate monitoring and body temperature sensors for the AirPods Pro 3, with early tests showing promising accuracy for heart rate data. These features, inspired by the PowerBeats Pro 2’s heart rate tracking, could integrate with the Health app, appealing to fitness enthusiasts. There’s even talk of perspiration level detection, though this remains speculative, BGR noted. The AirPods Pro 2 already introduced FDA-approved hearing health features like a Hearing Test and Hearing Aid mode; the third generation is expected to refine these, further cementing Apple’s push into wellness tech.
Design tweaks are also on the table. While the iconic white, stemmed design is likely to stay—stemless designs were rumored but deemed too fiddly, per AppleInsider—the earbuds and case may see a sleeker profile. The AirPods 4’s smaller case set a precedent, and the Pro 3’s case is expected to follow suit while retaining MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging. A patent for a touchscreen case, similar to JBL’s Tour Pro 3, could allow music control or Siri interactions directly from the case, Tom’s Guide reported. Color options beyond white, such as black or ProductRED, have been floated, though Apple’s history suggests white will remain dominant, TechRadar added.
Battery life improvements are anticipated, with the AirPods Pro 2’s 6 hours (5.5 with Spatial Audio) expected to grow, possibly matching competitors like Sony’s 8-hour buds, Geeky Gadgets noted. USB-C charging, now standard since the 2023 AirPods Pro 2 refresh, will continue, aligning with Apple’s ecosystem-wide shift. Enhanced water and dust resistance could also make the earbuds more durable for workouts or outdoor use, per BGR.
Why It Matters
For Apple users, the AirPods Pro 3 promise a refined experience within the ecosystem. Features like Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive Audio, and seamless device switching already make AirPods a standout; the H3 chip and health sensors could elevate this further, especially for those invested in Apple Watch or Fitness+. The potential for lossless audio over Bluetooth 5.3—currently constrained by codec limitations—would be a game-changer for music lovers, addressing a long-standing critique of Apple Music’s Hi-Res Lossless tier, TechRadar emphasized.
The AirPods Pro 3 also reflect Apple’s broader strategy to integrate health and accessibility into its products. With hearing health features already transforming lives—users report “life-changing insights” from the AirPods Pro 2’s Hearing Test, per The Wall Street Journal—the addition of heart rate and temperature monitoring could make the earbuds a daily wellness tool. For the 600 million AirPods users worldwide, as estimated by Apple, these upgrades could drive significant upgrades, especially if priced at the consistent $249 MSRP, though tariff uncertainties under the Trump administration might nudge costs higher, AppleInsider warned.
Challenges and Considerations
Not everything is certain. Some users on 9to5Mac forums expressed skepticism about health sensor accuracy, noting that ear-based heart rate data lags behind Apple Watch precision. Others worry that a smaller case might compromise MagSafe magnet strength, as seen with the AirPods 4. The absence of a new Bluetooth codec for lossless audio over standard connections remains a hurdle, and the lack of an App Store for third-party apps could limit functionality compared to rivals. Additionally, while the AirPods Pro 2’s ANC is class-leading, some users report declining performance with software updates, a concern Apple must address, per AppleInsider forums.
Looking Ahead
The AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be a significant upgrade, blending cutting-edge audio, health features, and ecosystem integration. While WWDC 2025 in June is a possible reveal date, the September iPhone event is more likely, aligning with Apple’s flagship launches, Tom’s Guide suggested. For those considering a purchase, waiting for the AirPods Pro 3 makes sense unless immediate needs outweigh the desire for the latest tech, MacRumors advised. With Apple’s software leak fueling anticipation, the AirPods Pro 3 could solidify Apple’s dominance in premium wireless audio.
