Roadmap
AirPods Pro 3
Updated June 20, 2026
AirPods Pro 3 are the first AirPods you could genuinely call a health device. The in-ear heart rate sensor launched in September 2025 alongside 2x stronger ANC than the Pro 2, a new acoustic architecture for deeper bass, and Live Translation for real-time in-person language translation. Hearing Aid mode received FDA clearance in 2024 and now includes automatic Conversation Boost. The Pro 3 use the H2 chip — same as AirPods 4 — but with completely different internals optimized for health monitoring and acoustic performance.
Expected
Available now
Announce date
2025-09-09
Est. price
$249
Latest news
All in Tracker →Quick answers
Does AirPods Pro 3 have a heart rate monitor?
Yes. AirPods Pro 3 launched in September 2025 with in-ear heart rate sensing using photoplethysmography — the same technology as Apple Watch. Tracks heart rate and calories burned across 50 workout types. Integrates with Apple Fitness app, Move ring, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence.
AppleHow good is AirPods Pro 3 noise cancellation?
Apple calls it the world's best in-ear ANC. The H2 chip processes noise 48,000 times per second. AirPods Pro 3 deliver 2x more ANC than Pro 2 and 4x more than the original AirPods Pro. The sealed foam-infused silicone tips add physical isolation before the electronics engage.
AppleWhat chip does AirPods Pro 3 use?
Apple H2. Despite rumors, AirPods Pro 3 use the same H2 chip as AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. Apple redesigned the acoustic architecture and added new sensors rather than upgrading the chip. The H3 chip is expected for AirPods Pro 4.
AppleBuy now or wait?
Buy AirPods Pro 3 at $249 if you commute, work out, or want Apple's best noise cancellation and heart rate monitoring. The $70 premium over AirPods 4 ANC is justified by dramatically stronger ANC, sealed fit, heart rate sensor, Hearing Aid mode, and better battery life with ANC on. Nothing confirmed to wait for — AirPods Pro 4 with H3 chip is not expected before 2027.
Compare
Price
$249
$129 / $179 with ANC
Availability
Available now
Available now
Chip
H2
H2
Cameras
None
No
Visual AI
No
No
Privacy indicator
N/A
No
Gesture control
Stem squeeze only
Head nod to accept/decline calls
Battery
Up to 6 hrs + 24 hrs case
5 hrs / 4 hrs ANC on
ANC
Yes, class-leading
No / Yes (open-ear, ANC model only)
Spatial audio
Yes, Personalized Spatial Audio
Yes — personalized with head tracking
Health sensors
Heart rate, hearing health
None
Ecosystem
iPhone / Apple ecosystem
iOS + Android (limited)
Status
Available now
Available now
Reported features
In-ear heart rate monitoring
AirPods Pro 3 use photoplethysmography — same technology as Apple Watch — to measure heart rate from the blood vessels in your ear canal. Tracks heart rate and calories burned across 50 workout types. Integrates with Apple Fitness app Move ring and Workout Buddy.
World's best in-ear ANC
2x more ANC than AirPods Pro 2 and 4x more than the original AirPods Pro. The H2 chip reduces noise 48,000 times per second. Foam-infused silicone tips add physical isolation. Apple says this is the best active noise cancellation in any in-ear wireless earbuds.
FDA-cleared Hearing Aid mode
AirPods Pro 3 are cleared by the FDA as an over-the-counter hearing aid for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Automatic Conversation Boost amplifies nearby speech. Pro 3 adds 67% more battery life in Transparency mode versus Pro 2 for hearing aid users.
Live Translation via Apple Intelligence
Real-time in-person language translation delivered through the earbuds. Someone speaks a supported language nearby and AirPods Pro 3 translate and deliver it in your ear. Requires iPhone with Apple Intelligence support.
H2 chip — not H3
AirPods Pro 3 use the Apple H2 chip — same as AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. Despite pre-launch rumors, Apple did not upgrade to H3. The acoustic architecture was completely redesigned instead. H3 is rumored for AirPods Pro 4.
8 hours battery with ANC per charge
Up from 6 hours on AirPods Pro 2. Up to 10 hours in Transparency with Hearing Aid. Up to 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts. Total 24 hours with MagSafe case and ANC on.
IP57 water resistance
Upgraded from IP54 on AirPods Pro 2. IP57 means the earbuds can handle immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Safe for swimming laps — but Apple does not market them as swim earbuds.
Foam-infused silicone tips in 5 sizes
AirPods Pro 3 include a new XXS size tip alongside XS, S, M, and L. The foam-infused material improves fit stability and passive noise isolation. Better fit means better ANC performance.
Timeline
June 2026
iOS 27: Workout Buddy and expanded Apple Intelligence
WWDC 2026 brought Workout Buddy to AirPods Pro 3 — an Apple Intelligence-powered fitness coach that gives real-time guidance during workouts using heart rate data. Live Translation expanded to more languages.
AppleSeptember 2025
AirPods Pro 3 launched — heart rate, 2x ANC
Apple launched AirPods Pro 3 at $249 with in-ear heart rate monitoring, 2x stronger ANC than Pro 2, new multiport acoustic architecture, foam-infused silicone tips in 5 sizes, IP57 water resistance, and Live Translation. H2 chip retained from Pro 2. Ships September 19.
AppleSeptember 2024
FDA Hearing Aid clearance
Apple received FDA clearance for the over-the-counter Hearing Aid feature on AirPods Pro 2, making it the first consumer earbuds with FDA-cleared hearing aid capability. The feature launched with iOS 18 for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
AppleSeptember 2022
AirPods Pro 2 launched — H2 chip, 2x ANC
AirPods Pro 2 introduced the H2 chip, 2x better ANC than Pro 1, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and a MagSafe case with a built-in speaker for Find My. Priced at $249.
AppleOctober 2019
AirPods Pro launched — first Pro model
Apple launched the first AirPods Pro at $249, introducing active noise cancellation, a sealed in-ear design with silicone tips, and Transparency mode to the AirPods line. The H1 chip powered always-on Hey Siri.
AppleOutlook
What's next
AirPods Pro 4 with the H3 chip is in development according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. H3 would add lower latency for Live Translation, potentially better ANC, and is likely required for AirPods Ultra's camera features. No confirmed release date — not expected before 2027.
BGR via YahooAirPods Pro 3 coverage by iDevice
All coverage →