If you thought Apple’s AirPods Pro couldn’t get any better, well, Cupertino just threw down the gauntlet. Today, Apple announced the AirPods Pro 3, and let me tell you, these aren’t just earbuds—they’re a statement. A$429 will get you a pair of what Apple is calling “the world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation,” and after reading the spec sheet, I’m inclined to believe they’ve got the receipts.
First up, Apple’s new multiport acoustic architecture and next-gen Adaptive EQ promise sound quality that’ll make audiophiles weep with joy. The ANC? It’s now twice as effective as the previous generation, four times better than the OG AirPods Pro, and paired with foam-infused ear tips in five sizes (yes, even XXS for those of us with dainty ear canals). Apple claims over 10,000 ear scans and 100,000 hours of user research went into this redesign, so if these don’t fit, maybe ears are just a myth.
But it’s not all about sound. The AirPods Pro 3 are now workout-ready with IP57 sweat and water resistance, and—get this—a built-in heart rate sensor. That’s right, you can now track your pulse and calories burned while closing your Move ring on the Fitness app, all while jamming out to your favourite playlist. Apple’s new Workout Buddy, powered by their on-device AI, will even hype you up with motivational insights based on your fitness history. If your gym routine needs a wingman, AirPods Pro 3 just volunteered.
And let’s talk about Live Translation. With computational audio and Apple Intelligence, you can now have face-to-face conversations in multiple languages, hands-free, with real-time translation piped straight into your ears. Travelling, collaborating, or just trying to order lunch in Paris? Sorted.
Battery life has also been bumped—eight hours of continuous ANC listening, a solid 33% improvement over last year’s model. And yes, Apple’s keeping it green: AirPods Pro 3 are made with 40% recycled materials and 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. The packaging is fibre-based and fully recyclable, so your eco-conscience can rest easy.
Pre-orders start today, with units landing in stores on September 19. For the Apple faithful, pairing with the latest iPhone unlocks all the bells and whistles, including three months of Apple Music and Fitness+ for new subscribers. The future of personal audio just got a serious upgrade, and—let’s be honest—I’m already clearing space in my ears.
