Apple has unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, elevating the company’s iconic in-ear headphones to a new level of performance and functionality. The latest iteration delivers industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), cutting up to twice as much noise as the previous generation and four times more than the original AirPods Pro, putting them on par with premium competitors like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 — which excels in low-frequency ANC — and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, renowned for passive isolation. Redesigned for a secure, stable fit, the AirPods Pro 3 are optimized for workouts, from running and HIIT to yoga and beyond.
For the first time, the AirPods Pro 3 integrate heart rate tracking and support over 50 workout types through the iPhone’s Fitness app, turning them into a powerful fitness companion. Apple’s custom-built photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, the smallest ever in AirPods, pulses invisible infrared light 256 times per second to measure blood flow, and when paired with sensor fusion from iPhone accelerometers, gyroscope, GPS, and on-device AI, it tracks heart rate, calories burned, and progress in the Move ring. No other true wireless earbuds from Sony or Bose currently offer integrated fitness tracking, giving AirPods Pro 3 a distinct advantage for active users. Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence, provides personalized coaching, while Apple Fitness+ displays real-time metrics like heart rate, calories, and the Burn Bar on-screen.
The headphones feature a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, delivering enhanced bass, a wider soundstage, and crystal-clear vocals across music, podcasts, and calls. In comparison, Sony WF-1000XM5 allows for customizable EQ profiles, while Bose QC Ultras emphasize balanced, natural audio. Enhanced Transparency ensures voices — both the user’s and those around them — sound natural, keeping listeners connected to their environment.
ANC is further amplified through ultra-low-noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and foam-infused ear tips, resulting in up to 8 hours of music playback with ANC enabled — a 33% improvement over the previous generation. Apple’s IP57 rating ensures dust and water resistance, outperforming Sony’s IPX4 and Bose’s IPX4 ratings, making the AirPods Pro 3 better suited for intense workouts and unpredictable weather.
Live Translation debuts on AirPods, enabling real-time, hands-free communication in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese coming later. Powered by computational audio and Apple Intelligence, it allows natural conversations across languages, whether one or both participants are wearing AirPods — a feature unmatched by Sony or Bose.
With over 10,000 ear scans, 100,000 hours of user research, and more than 300 million datapoints informing the design, AirPods Pro 3 are the most secure, best-fitting AirPods yet. Internal components were re-engineered to be smaller, with ear tips now centered on the body for stability, and foam tips come in five sizes, including a new XXS option. The result is comfort, durability, and performance, making AirPods Pro 3 not only a top-tier audio experience but also a versatile tool for fitness, communication, and travel.
