AirPods Pro 3 Launched: Featuring Lossless Audio and a Redesigned Case

Apple launched its AirPods Pro 3 true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones on Tuesday alongside the iPhone 17 series. The headset is equipped with a heart rate sensor. The earbuds sport an improved design for a better fit and come with a redesigned charging case as well. It is smaller and sleeker but retains its lanyard support. It is currently available for pre-order and will go on sale later this month. Notably, the Cupertino-based tech giant also introduced the Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3 and Watch SE 3 today.

AirPods Pro 3 Price, Availability

AirPods Pro 3 price is set at $249 (roughly Rs. 22,000) and will go on sale from September 19. It is available in a white colourway and is currently open for pre-orders.

In India, the AirPods Pro 3 cost Rs. 25,900. The company notes that to access all features, users need to pair the earphones with an Apple device running the latest software.

AirPods Pro 3 Specifications, Features

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 earphones include health sensors for heart rate tracking, turning them into a fitness and wellness companion. This is said to allow users to monitor workout intensity and overall health. The custom PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor uses infrared light to measure blood flow, working with the earbuds' motion sensors, GPS, and iPhone's on-device AI. This setup allows users to track heart rate, calories, and over 50 workout types, close their Move ring, and earn Fitness app awards. A new Workout Buddy feature provides personalised, motivational insights during workouts.

The AirPods Pro 3 support an improved adaptive ANC with a transparency mode, claimed to be twice as potent as the preceding variant. The upgraded feature uses ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and foam-infused ear tips for better passive noise isolation. 

The earphones use a new multiport acoustic design to control airflow and improve the spatial sound experience. The next-gen Adaptive EQ is claimed to enhance bass, expand the soundstage, and make vocals clearer across music, shows, and calls. Personalised Transparency also makes voices, including the user's own, sound more natural, keeping them connected to their surroundings.

The AirPods Pro 3 also supports a Live Translation feature backed by Apple Intelligence, which enables real-time language translation during conversations. It translates speech hands-free, and users can also display live transcriptions on an iPhone. Supported languages include English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with support for Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese coming later this year.

Apple continues to build on its hearing health features with the AirPods Pro 3 by reducing exposure to loud noise and adding certified Hearing Protection for EU and UK users. The Hearing Test uses improved ANC for quieter results and personalised assistance. Conversation Boost activates automatically, amplifying speech and reducing background noise for hearing aid users.

The AirPods Pro 3 features a new ergonomic design for a more secure and comfortable fit across various ear shapes and sizes. They are paired with five different sizes, including a new XXS option. The earphones, as well as the charging case, have an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance. They also come with a smaller and sleeker charging case. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.3 and support for lossless audio.

Each AirPods Pro 3 earbud is claimed to offer up to eight hours of playback per charge. Running on Transparency mode with Hearing Aid, it is claimed to last for up to 10 hours on a single charge. With the case, the earphones are claimed to provide a total battery life of up to 24 hours, with ANC enabled. The earbuds can offer up to an hour of continuous music playback with a five-minute charge in the case. The case supports USB Type-C and Qi2 wireless charging.